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Put-To-Light vs Pick-To-Light

Fulfillment
July 17, 2026
Which light-directed fulfillment method fits your process.

Put-to-Light and Pick-to-Light are both light-directed fulfillment technologies that improve picking speed and accuracy, but they're optimized for different order profiles.

What is Pick-to-Light?

Pick-to-Light guides an operator to the correct pick location using illuminated indicators, confirming each pick in real time.

Best suited for:

What is Put-to-Light?

Put-to-Light works in reverse — an operator picks a batch of mixed items, then light indicators guide them to sort and place each item into the correct order tote or slot.

Best suited for:

Key differences at a glance

FactorPick-to-LightPut-to-Light
Process directionPick from location to orderSort from batch to multiple orders
Best fitSingle-order pickingBatch picking and consolidation
Order volumeModerateHigh, multi-order

The short answer

Pick-to-Light suits precise single-order picking, while Put-to-Light suits high-volume batch fulfillment where many orders are consolidated at once — many facilities combine both across different zones.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both systems be used in the same facility?

Yes — many fulfillment centers use Pick-to-Light for slower-moving SKUs and Put-to-Light for high-velocity batch orders.

Do these systems require a WMS?

Yes — both integrate with a WMS or order management system to know which lights to trigger for each order.

Not sure which system fits your operation?

Our team can assess your space, inventory profile, and throughput needs to recommend the right mix of automation.

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