What is the Difference Between Pick-to-Light and Put-to-Light Systems?

Pick-to-light systems are primarily used to guide warehouse workers during the order picking process. Each storage location in the warehouse is equipped with a light module and a display screen. When an order is received, the pick-to-light system directs the worker to the location of the required items by illuminating the corresponding lights and displaying relevant information on the screen.

Order Picking Guidance: Pick-to-light systems provide clear visual cues to warehouse workers, directing them to the exact location of the items needed to fulfill an order.

Hands-free Operation: With pick-to-light systems, workers can focus on picking tasks without the need to refer to paper lists or handheld devices, leading to increased productivity and accuracy.

Order Consolidation: Pick-to-light systems can facilitate order consolidation by guiding workers to pick multiple items for different orders simultaneously, optimizing the picking process.

Put-to-light systems, on the other hand, are used primarily for inventory replenishment and stocking tasks within the warehouse. Similar to pick-to-light systems, each storage location is equipped with a light module and a display screen. However, instead of guiding workers to pick items, put-to-light systems direct workers to place items into specific storage locations.

Inventory Replenishment: Put-to-light systems guide workers to place items into designated storage locations, ensuring efficient replenishment of inventory levels.

Confirmation of Placement: After placing an item in the designated location, workers confirm the action by pressing a button or scanning a barcode on the display screen, ensuring accuracy in inventory management.

Streamlined Workflow: Put-to-light systems optimize warehouse workflows by providing clear instructions to workers, minimizing search time, and maximizing productivity in stocking tasks.

Primary Function: Pick-to-light systems are primarily used for order picking guidance, while put-to-light systems are used for inventory replenishment and stocking tasks.

Direction of Action: Pick-to-light systems direct workers to pick items from storage locations, whereas put-to-light systems direct workers to place items into storage locations.

Task Focus: Pick-to-light systems focus on facilitating order fulfillment, while put-to-light systems focus on maintaining optimal inventory levels through replenishment tasks.