In today’s fast-moving fulfillment environments, accuracy and speed are everything. That’s where Light-Directed Picking (LDP)—also known as pick-to-light—shines. This highly visual picking method uses illuminated cues at shelving or bin locations to guide workers directly to the correct item, reducing the need for paperwork, handheld scanners, or guesswork.
What Is Light-Directed Picking?
Light-directed picking systems are made up of LED indicators and buttons mounted on storage locations. When an order is received, lights turn on to show pickers exactly where to go and how many items to retrieve. It’s intuitive, fast, and extremely accurate.
This method is part of a broader family of automated picking tools designed to reduce human error and improve throughput.
How LDP Outperforms Traditional Picking
Traditional methods—like paper pick lists or handheld scanners—require pickers to manually search for SKUs, read labels, and verify counts. With LDP, that cognitive burden is eliminated. Lights do the directing, allowing pickers to simply follow.
Key Benefits:
- Fewer Picking Errors – Visual direction reduces confusion and ensures accurate picks
- Faster Fulfillment – Lights cut down search time and enable higher pick rates
- Scalable Setup – Easily expand LDP systems as your inventory grows
- Lower Training Time – Employees can easily familiarize themselves with LDP in hours, not days
Easy to Implement, Easy to Scale
Unlike more complex automation systems, light-directed picking modules are simple to install and integrate with existing warehouse picking systems. For facilities transitioning from traditional methods, LDP offers a low-friction, high-impact upgrade.
Better yet, LDP works seamlessly alongside other automation like automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and automated conveyor systems, building toward a more connected and responsive warehouse.
Modernizing Your Picking Process
If you’re ready to move beyond outdated processes and boost both accuracy and efficiency, light-directed picking is a great place to start. It enhances your team’s performance, improves customer satisfaction, and creates a clear path to broader warehouse automation.
It’s time to bring clarity to your picking process! Explore LD Systems’ automated picking solutions and see how light-directed technology can transform your workflow.
Contact Us or visit ldslc.com for a custom picking optimization plan.