Pick To Light Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented, By Technology (RFID-Based Pick to Light Systems, Camera-Based Pick to Light Systems, Laser-Based Pick to Light Systems), By Application (Distribution Centers, Manufacturing Facilities, Retail Stores, Pharmacies), By Industry Vertical (Automotive, Electronics, Healthcare, Food & Beverage, E-Commerce), By Region, By Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Pick To Light Market was valued at USD 4.97 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.14 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.07%. The Pick to Light Market refers to the industry centered around automated order-picking technologies that use visual indicators, typically light displays, to guide warehouse operators in accurately identifying and retrieving items for order fulfillment. Positioned at the intersection of automation, logistics, and supply chain management, this market is driven by the growing demand for faster, error-free, and highly efficient order processing solutions in industries such as e-commerce, retail, pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, and third-party logistics.

Pick to light systems operate by illuminating specific storage locations, thereby reducing picking errors, minimizing training requirements, and improving overall productivity, which makes them highly valuable in dynamic and high-volume environments. The market encompasses a wide range of hardware components including display modules, controllers, sensors, and software interfaces, all integrated to provide real-time data exchange with warehouse management systems and enterprise resource planning platforms.

It caters to both large-scale enterprises seeking advanced automation and small to medium businesses that require scalable, cost-effective solutions. The versatility of pick to light technology allows its application across complex order-picking operations such as zone picking, batch picking, and put walls, contributing significantly to streamlined workflows.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Accuracy and Efficiency in Order Fulfillment

The global pick to light market is significantly driven by the rising demand for accuracy and efficiency in order fulfillment, as industries across e-commerce, retail, manufacturing, and third-party logistics face mounting pressure to deliver faster, error-free operations. With the rapid growth of online shopping and customer expectations for same-day or next-day delivery, businesses are seeking technologies that can enhance throughput while reducing picking errors, which often lead to costly returns and reputational damage. Pick to light systems directly address these challenges by guiding warehouse operators through illuminated indicators at storage locations, ensuring the correct item is selected in minimal time.

This not only streamlines the picking process but also substantially reduces error rates, boosting customer satisfaction and repeat business. Unlike traditional paper-based systems or even RF scanning methods, pick to light eliminates confusion and minimizes the need for extensive worker training, which is especially beneficial in industries with high seasonal demand fluctuations and frequent workforce turnover. Furthermore, companies are increasingly adopting pick to light systems as part of their broader digital transformation strategies, integrating them with warehouse management systems (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions to enable real-time visibility and data-driven decision-making.

The ability to capture accurate operational data and analytics also supports continuous process improvements and predictive planning, further enhancing operational performance. In environments such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, or high-value consumer goods, where precision is non-negotiable, pick to light systems provide a reliable solution that aligns with stringent quality control requirements.

Additionally, as global supply chains become more complex and the emphasis on efficient last-mile delivery intensifies, the ability of pick to light systems to maximize accuracy while reducing cycle times becomes a critical enabler of competitive advantage.

The convergence of these factors underscores why the growing need for efficient and error-free order fulfillment stands as a dominant driver propelling the adoption of pick to light technologies worldwide.  Over 70% of global retailers report that order accuracy directly impacts customer loyalty and repeat purchases. Nearly 60% of supply chain managers highlight efficiency in fulfillment as the top priority for digital transformation initiatives. More than 65% of e-commerce transactions worldwide are influenced by fast and accurate order delivery performance. Around 50% of global warehouse operations are now investing in automation to reduce fulfillment errors. Over 80% of consumers globally expect real-time tracking and accurate delivery updates as part of their shopping experience.

Growing Adoption of Automation and Smart Warehousing Solutions

Another major driver for the pick to light market is the accelerating adoption of automation and smart warehousing solutions across industries. Businesses are under increasing pressure to optimize their warehouse operations, not only to handle growing product volumes but also to adapt to shrinking delivery windows and changing customer preferences. As part of this trend, companies are investing in warehouse automation technologies such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and integrated picking solutions, among which pick to light is a critical component.

Pick to light systems enhance automation by enabling seamless human-machine collaboration, where workers can focus on value-added tasks guided by intuitive lighting systems that reduce cognitive load and fatigue. This complements robotic systems, creating a balanced approach to efficiency where both manual and automated processes operate harmoniously.

Moreover, smart warehousing is increasingly relying on advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, which can be effectively integrated with pick to light systems for enhanced visibility, predictive analytics, and workflow optimization. With labor shortages and rising wage costs posing persistent challenges, businesses are compelled to automate more functions while still requiring human intervention in areas where flexibility and decision-making are necessary.

Pick to light bridges this gap by simplifying complex picking processes, reducing training times, and enabling warehouses to maintain high productivity even with a transient workforce. Additionally, as organizations pursue sustainability goals, automation systems like pick to light contribute by reducing paper-based processes, optimizing energy use, and lowering operational waste. In industries such as automotive, food and beverage, and healthcare, where traceability and regulatory compliance are critical, the integration of pick to light systems with automated data capture and reporting tools ensures adherence to standards while boosting efficiency.

The convergence of rising automation adoption, demand for smart warehousing solutions, and the need to balance efficiency with human involvement highlights why pick to light systems are increasingly recognized as essential components of modern supply chain infrastructure, making this trend a powerful market driver. Over 65% of global warehouses are expected to adopt some form of automation by 2026. Nearly 50% of logistics companies worldwide are integrating robotics and automated picking systems to enhance operational efficiency. Around 70% of e-commerce-driven warehouses are investing in smart inventory management solutions by 2027. More than 40% of global distribution centers are expected to deploy AI-driven warehouse management systems in the next three years. By 2028, nearly 60% of global warehouses will incorporate IoT-based tracking for real-time visibility and optimization.

Expansion of E-commerce and Omni-Channel Retailing

The rapid expansion of e-commerce and omni-channel retailing has become one of the strongest drivers fueling the growth of the pick to light market. With consumers demanding seamless shopping experiences across physical stores, online platforms, and hybrid models such as click-and-collect, retailers and logistics providers are under intense pressure to deliver accurate, fast, and flexible fulfillment solutions. E-commerce has introduced unprecedented product variety and order volumes, creating complex picking requirements that traditional systems struggle to meet efficiently.

Pick to light systems address these challenges by enabling fast and intuitive picking processes, reducing lead times, and ensuring the accuracy needed to satisfy customer expectations in highly competitive markets. The omni-channel model adds further complexity, as businesses must simultaneously manage store replenishments, direct-to-consumer orders, and reverse logistics with equal efficiency.

Pick to light systems, with their scalability and adaptability, are well-suited to handle this diversity, providing real-time support to operators and reducing bottlenecks in multi-order picking environments. As global retail continues shifting toward a consumer-centric approach, companies are prioritizing investments in technologies that enhance the end-to-end customer journey, with pick to light playing a crucial role in enabling error-free, rapid fulfillment.

Furthermore, the rise of same-day and next-day delivery services intensifies the need for solutions that can minimize downtime and maximize throughput in warehouses and distribution centers. Pick to light technology’s ability to significantly reduce operator training time is especially valuable in seasonal peaks when temporary staff are deployed to handle surging demand. The scalability of these systems also makes them attractive to small and mid-sized e-commerce businesses seeking to upgrade operations without incurring the high costs associated with fully automated robotics.

In addition, integration of pick to light systems with advanced digital platforms such as WMS and order management systems provides real-time visibility and agility, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to market fluctuations and consumer demands. As e-commerce continues its explosive global growth trajectory and omni-channel retailing becomes the industry standard, the need for reliable, fast, and accurate picking solutions will only intensify, firmly positioning pick to light systems as a critical enabler of competitive advantage and a key driver of market expansion.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

High Implementation and Integration Costs

One of the major challenges confronting the pick-to-light market is the high cost of implementation and integration associated with these systems, which significantly impacts their adoption, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. While large organizations with extensive warehousing and logistics operations often have the financial capacity to invest in advanced material-handling technologies, SMEs frequently struggle to justify the upfront capital expenditure required for pick-to-light deployment. The investment involves not only the hardware itself—such as light modules, controllers, displays, and sensors—but also costs linked to software integration, training of personnel, infrastructure modifications, and ongoing maintenance.

Furthermore, warehouses often operate with legacy systems or diverse IT infrastructures that require substantial customization for seamless integration of pick-to-light technology. The complexity and expenses associated with aligning pick-to-light systems with existing ERP, WMS, or other supply chain management platforms add to the financial burden, extending the time required for return on investment (ROI). This becomes a critical concern for smaller organizations operating on thin margins, where capital allocation to automation projects must be carefully balanced against other pressing operational needs.

Additionally, the hidden costs of disruption during system installation, workforce adaptation to new workflows, and potential downtime during the transition phase contribute to management hesitancy. For global operations, costs can escalate further with the need for region-specific compliance, local technical expertise, and logistical challenges in deployment across multiple facilities. Even when companies recognize the long-term efficiency benefits of pick-to-light systems, the sheer scale of upfront investment acts as a barrier, often delaying decision-making or leading to the selection of less sophisticated alternatives such as voice picking or handheld scanning systems.

As a result, the high cost of adoption, particularly when combined with integration complexity, remains a significant restraint in the market, slowing down widespread penetration of pick-to-light technology and confining its usage to organizations with substantial financial resources and advanced automation strategies.

Overcoming this challenge will require vendors to innovate in terms of cost-effective designs, modular and scalable systems that allow phased adoption, and flexible pricing models such as leasing, subscription-based services, or outcome-driven contracts. Until such solutions become mainstream, however, the adoption curve for pick-to-light systems is likely to remain uneven, with slower uptake among smaller players despite the growing need for accuracy, speed, and efficiency in warehouse operations worldwide.

Limited Flexibility and Scalability in Dynamic Warehousing Environments

Another key challenge faced by the pick-to-light market is the limited flexibility and scalability of these systems in highly dynamic and fast-evolving warehousing environments. Pick-to-light systems, by design, rely on fixed-location light modules and compartment displays that are well-suited for stable and repetitive inventory layouts, making them highly effective in operations with consistent SKUs and predictable picking patterns. However, in today’s logistics landscape, warehouses are increasingly required to accommodate frequent changes in inventory, seasonal demand fluctuations, and shifting customer preferences driven by e-commerce growth.

This dynamic environment demands systems that can be rapidly reconfigured and scaled to align with evolving operational requirements. Pick-to-light technology, while accurate and intuitive, often lacks the mobility and adaptability needed for such flexibility, leading to inefficiencies when product mixes or storage configurations change frequently. The process of reconfiguring light modules, rewiring systems, or relocating display components can be time-consuming and costly, reducing the agility of warehouse operations.

Furthermore, the scalability of pick-to-light systems is constrained when warehouses expand capacity, either in terms of physical space or SKU volumes, as extending these systems across larger or multi-level facilities requires significant additional investment and technical adjustments. This inflexibility creates a risk for organizations operating in competitive industries where responsiveness to market changes and rapid order fulfillment are critical. While alternative solutions such as mobile robotic picking systems, wearable devices, or augmented reality picking tools offer greater adaptability, pick-to-light systems can struggle to keep pace, creating reluctance among organizations to rely solely on this technology for long-term automation strategies.

Moreover, scalability challenges are amplified in global operations where warehouses vary widely in size, layout, and operational requirements, making standardized deployment of pick-to-light systems complex. For instance, a system that works efficiently in a mid-sized facility may require extensive modifications to function effectively in a mega distribution center. In such cases, businesses must weigh the trade-off between system accuracy and long-term adaptability.

The lack of scalability also impacts companies exploring phased automation strategies, where gradual expansion of systems is preferred over one-time deployment. Without modular, easily expandable designs, pick-to-light vendors risk losing market opportunities to more flexible competitors.

Therefore, while pick-to-light technology offers undeniable benefits in terms of speed, accuracy, and ease of training, its limited adaptability to dynamic and scalable warehousing environments poses a significant challenge, constraining broader adoption. Addressing this will require continuous innovation in modularity, wireless connectivity, and hybrid systems that integrate pick-to-light with mobile and digital solutions, ensuring flexibility and scalability to meet the evolving demands of global supply chains.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Pick-to-Light with Industry 4.0 and Smart Warehousing

The pick-to-light market is witnessing a significant trend toward integration with Industry 4.0 principles and the broader concept of smart warehousing, transforming traditional logistics and distribution centers into highly automated, data-driven environments. Companies across industries are increasingly adopting pick-to-light systems that can seamlessly connect with warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to ensure real-time data synchronization, improved visibility, and operational efficiency.

This integration enables businesses to monitor inventory with precision, reduce order processing errors, and optimize workforce productivity by guiding operators through visually intuitive light-directed picking processes. Smart warehousing powered by pick-to-light is particularly gaining momentum as e-commerce and omni-channel retailing continue to expand globally, driving demand for fast, accurate, and flexible order fulfillment solutions. With consumer expectations shifting toward same-day and next-day deliveries, distribution centers are under immense pressure to process high order volumes within shorter time frames, making automation and error-proofing indispensable.

Pick-to-light systems are increasingly being deployed alongside technologies such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and digital twin simulations to create a connected, resilient supply chain capable of adapting to fluctuations in demand. Furthermore, advanced data analytics tools are being embedded into pick-to-light solutions to provide actionable insights into performance metrics, worker efficiency, and inventory turnover, enabling continuous improvement and agile decision-making.

As companies focus on sustainability and lean operations, the digitization and automation enabled by smart pick-to-light systems are also helping reduce energy consumption, minimize wastage, and enhance space utilization in warehouses. This convergence of pick-to-light with Industry 4.0 technologies is not only improving accuracy and speed in order fulfillment but also strengthening competitive advantage by positioning organizations to deliver superior customer service and resilience in an increasingly dynamic market environment.

Rising Adoption of Pick-to-Light in E-commerce and Omni-Channel Fulfillment

A major trend driving the pick-to-light market is its growing adoption within e-commerce and omni-channel fulfillment operations, where accuracy, speed, and scalability are critical competitive differentiators. The surge in online shopping has significantly increased the volume and complexity of orders, creating challenges for warehouse operators in terms of labor efficiency, order accuracy, and turnaround times. Pick-to-light systems are emerging as a preferred solution due to their ability to streamline the picking process, minimize human error, and accelerate throughput without requiring extensive training for workers.

Retailers, third-party logistics providers, and e-commerce giants are increasingly deploying pick-to-light technologies to meet consumer expectations for rapid delivery and order accuracy, particularly during peak shopping seasons when labor shortages and order surges can severely impact operations. The trend is further reinforced by the omni-channel retailing model, which requires seamless coordination of inventory across multiple sales channels such as online stores, brick-and-mortar outlets, and mobile applications.

Pick-to-light systems enable precise, real-time visibility into inventory, allowing businesses to manage stock levels effectively and reduce the risk of stockouts or overstock situations. The intuitive nature of light-directed picking also makes it easier to scale up operations quickly with temporary or seasonal staff, addressing workforce challenges during high-demand periods. Furthermore, e-commerce companies are exploring hybrid systems that combine pick-to-light with voice-picking and wearable technologies to further optimize workflows and support multi-tasking capabilities.

By improving efficiency in order consolidation, returns management, and last-mile logistics, pick-to-light systems are strengthening the operational backbone of e-commerce ecosystems. This trend highlights how the market is evolving beyond traditional industrial applications to play a central role in shaping the future of retail and logistics, positioning pick-to-light technology as a cornerstone for businesses striving to achieve both operational excellence and superior customer satisfaction in a highly competitive digital marketplace.

Growing Focus on Ergonomics and Workforce Productivity through Pick-to-Light Solutions

Another significant trend shaping the pick-to-light market is the increasing emphasis on ergonomics and workforce productivity, as organizations recognize the importance of optimizing human-machine interaction in warehouse environments. While automation continues to advance, human labor remains a vital component of logistics operations, and ensuring that workers can perform tasks efficiently, safely, and with minimal fatigue is a growing priority. Pick-to-light systems are being designed with improved ergonomic features such as intuitive light indicators, adjustable display modules, and user-friendly interfaces that reduce cognitive load and streamline the picking process.

By minimizing the need for workers to rely on paper lists or complex handheld devices, pick-to-light systems reduce errors and significantly shorten training times, enabling even new or temporary employees to become productive almost immediately. This trend is particularly relevant in industries facing labor shortages and high employee turnover, where the ability to quickly onboard and retain staff can directly impact performance and profitability. Moreover, companies are increasingly investing in pick-to-light solutions that support multi-lingual displays, customizable workflows, and flexible mounting options to accommodate diverse workforce needs and varying warehouse layouts.

Integration of wearable technologies such as smart gloves and augmented reality glasses with pick-to-light systems is further enhancing worker comfort and efficiency by creating seamless, hands-free picking experiences. Additionally, by reducing repetitive strain and streamlining physical movements, ergonomic pick-to-light systems contribute to safer working conditions and lower injury rates, aligning with growing corporate commitments to workplace health and safety.

As businesses place greater emphasis on employee well-being, pick-to-light technology is evolving from a pure efficiency tool into a workforce empowerment solution that balances productivity with safety and comfort. This trend reflects a broader shift in logistics management, where technology is not only deployed to optimize throughput but also to create sustainable, human-centric workplaces that foster long-term operational resilience and employee satisfaction.

Segmental Insights

Technology Insights

The RFID-Based Pick to Light Systems segment held the largest Market share in 2024. The RFID-based pick-to-light systems segment is emerging as a powerful driver of growth in the overall pick-to-light market, primarily due to its ability to combine the speed and accuracy of light-directed picking with the real-time intelligence and automation of RFID technology. As industries worldwide face increasing demand for faster order fulfillment, enhanced inventory visibility, and error-proof operations, RFID-enabled solutions provide a transformative advantage by allowing seamless identification, tracking, and confirmation of items without manual scanning.

This capability significantly reduces human errors, enhances picking speed, and optimizes workflow efficiency, making it highly valuable for sectors such as e-commerce, retail, automotive, and logistics where precision and throughput are critical. The rise of omnichannel retailing, with its need for rapid order processing and accurate inventory management, has accelerated the adoption of RFID-based pick-to-light systems, enabling companies to meet customer expectations for same-day or next-day deliveries while maintaining operational efficiency. Moreover, as supply chains become increasingly complex and globalized, the ability of RFID to provide end-to-end traceability and data-driven insights strengthens its role as a key enabler of smart warehouses and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

The integration of RFID into pick-to-light solutions also supports greater scalability, as businesses can manage higher SKU volumes and complex warehouse layouts without compromising on accuracy or speed. Additionally, the rising adoption of automation and digital transformation strategies in warehousing and manufacturing environments is creating fertile ground for RFID-driven systems, which align seamlessly with other technologies such as IoT, AI, and robotics to enable intelligent, interconnected workflows. These systems not only streamline operational efficiency but also contribute to cost savings by reducing labor dependency, minimizing mispicks, and optimizing resource utilization.

With labor shortages and wage pressures impacting industries globally, RFID-based pick-to-light systems are increasingly seen as a strategic investment that enhances workforce productivity while future-proofing operations against disruptions. Furthermore, the technology’s ability to capture and analyze large volumes of real-time data empowers businesses with actionable insights for continuous process improvement, predictive maintenance, and performance benchmarking. Growing regulatory emphasis on accurate tracking, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and aerospace, further underlines the importance of RFID in ensuring compliance and product safety.

The convergence of these factors positions RFID-based pick-to-light systems as a critical driver of innovation and competitiveness in the broader market, supporting companies in their pursuit of agility, sustainability, and customer-centric operations. As global commerce continues to evolve with rising demand for speed, accuracy, and transparency, the RFID-enabled pick-to-light segment is expected to accelerate market growth by setting new benchmarks in operational excellence and digital warehousing efficiency.

Application Insights

The Distribution Centers segment held the largest Market share in 2024. The Pick-to-Light market in the distribution centers segment is primarily driven by the rapid transformation of global supply chains and the escalating demand for faster, error-free order fulfillment. Distribution centers today operate under immense pressure to manage high-volume, multi-channel operations efficiently, fueled by the exponential growth of e-commerce, omnichannel retailing, and rising customer expectations for same-day or next-day delivery. Pick-to-Light systems are increasingly recognized as a critical enabler of efficiency, offering real-time visibility, streamlined workflows, and enhanced accuracy in order picking.

Unlike traditional manual picking methods, which are prone to human error and inefficiencies, Pick-to-Light technology significantly reduces mispicks and accelerates throughput, making it an essential investment for modern distribution centers. With labor shortages and rising workforce costs, particularly in developed economies, companies are prioritizing automation solutions that not only improve productivity but also reduce reliance on extensive training and manual oversight. Pick-to-Light systems address these challenges by offering user-friendly interfaces, simplified processes, and ergonomic designs that allow new workers to become productive quickly while reducing fatigue for long-term staff.

Additionally, the growing integration of digital technologies such as IoT, AI, and advanced analytics further amplifies the value of Pick-to-Light in distribution centers by enabling real-time inventory tracking, performance monitoring, and predictive maintenance of systems. The scalability and modularity of these solutions also make them highly adaptable, allowing distribution centers of varying sizes to customize systems according to operational needs, whether handling small batch orders or large-scale product flows. Furthermore, increasing product diversity and SKU proliferation in industries such as retail, consumer goods, and healthcare demand more efficient picking systems that can handle complex assortments while maintaining high accuracy.

Pick-to-Light’s ability to manage these complexities with minimal disruption positions it as a vital tool for meeting service-level agreements and maintaining competitiveness in an intensely dynamic logistics environment. Distribution centers are also focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency, and Pick-to-Light systems contribute by reducing paper-based operations and optimizing space utilization, thereby supporting broader corporate sustainability goals. The pandemic further accelerated adoption as companies sought resilient, contact-minimized systems that support social distancing without compromising efficiency, reinforcing the long-term value proposition of Pick-to-Light technology.

As global trade expands and customer-centric supply chains become the norm, distribution centers are under mounting pressure to balance speed, flexibility, and cost efficiency, and Pick-to-Light systems stand out as an indispensable solution driving this balance. The convergence of automation trends, workforce optimization, and technology integration firmly positions Pick-to-Light as a market driver in distribution centers, fueling widespread adoption and long-term investment across diverse industries seeking to build resilient, high-performance supply chain networks.

Download Free Sample Report

Regional Insights

Largest Region

The North America region held the largest market share in 2024. The North America pick-to-light market is primarily driven by the region’s accelerating demand for advanced warehouse automation and digital logistics solutions, fueled by the rapid growth of e-commerce, omni-channel retail, and just-in-time manufacturing models. As companies face mounting pressure to optimize order fulfillment speed, accuracy, and scalability, pick-to-light systems have become increasingly vital in addressing operational inefficiencies. The region’s well-established logistics infrastructure, combined with significant investments in modernizing warehouses and distribution centers, creates a strong foundation for adoption.

Labor shortages and rising wages across North America further intensify the need for automation, as pick-to-light technology reduces reliance on manual processes, improves workforce productivity, and minimizes picking errors. Moreover, the surge in e-commerce giants and third-party logistics providers in the United States and Canada is amplifying the push for real-time, technology-enabled order fulfillment systems capable of handling large volumes during peak seasons.

Another critical driver is the integration of pick-to-light with advanced technologies such as warehouse management systems, IoT-enabled sensors, and cloud-based platforms, enabling real-time inventory visibility and enhanced decision-making. Additionally, increasing consumer expectations for faster delivery times and greater order accuracy are motivating retailers, manufacturers, and logistics providers to adopt error-proofing solutions that improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

The healthcare, automotive, and electronics industries in North America are also investing heavily in pick-to-light systems to streamline complex assembly lines and order picking processes, where precision and efficiency are critical. Government and corporate sustainability initiatives are further contributing to market growth, as pick-to-light systems reduce paper use and optimize energy consumption in operations. The trend toward smart warehouses, supported by North America’s leadership in technological innovation and digital transformation, underlines the growing adoption of advanced picking technologies.

Furthermore, the region’s highly competitive retail and logistics sectors incentivize continuous investments in automation to maintain a strategic advantage, making pick-to-light solutions an indispensable part of the digital supply chain transformation. Altogether, the convergence of labor market challenges, consumer-driven fulfillment demands, technological integration, and sustainability priorities firmly positions North America as a leading growth hub for the pick-to-light market, with strong momentum expected to continue in the years ahead.

Emerging region:

South America is the emerging region in Pick To Light Market. The Pick-to-Light market in South America is gaining momentum as enterprises accelerate warehouse modernization to keep pace with fast-growing e-commerce, omnichannel retail, and rising service-level expectations across Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina. Retailers, 3PLs, and manufacturers are prioritizing accuracy, speed, and labor productivity, making light-directed picking an attractive, low-latency solution that reduces errors, shortens training time, and boosts throughput during peak seasons.

The expansion of urban fulfillment nodes and micro-fulfillment centers in dense metros such as São Paulo, Bogotá, Santiago, and Lima is increasing demand for compact, modular systems that can be deployed quickly and scaled incrementally. Logistics networks are being reconfigured to support next-day and same-day delivery, pushing distribution centers to adopt technologies that integrate seamlessly with WMS/ERP platforms and automate high-velocity SKUs; Pick-to-Light’s clear visual cues and zone picking fit this need while preserving flexibility for product mix changes.

Manufacturers in automotive aftermarket, consumer electronics, FMCG, and pharmaceuticals are adopting Pick-to-Light to support kitting, sequencing, and track-and-trace, improving first-pass yield and compliance in regulated workflows such as healthcare and cold chain. Macro drivers include near-shoring and regionalization of supply chains within Mercosur, which are prompting investments in new DCs and the retrofit of legacy facilities to mitigate transportation risk and currency volatility; in this context, Pick-to-Light offers an attractive ROI through reduced rework, fewer returns, and lower onboarding costs for a fluid workforce.

Sustainability goals are also catalyzing adoption, with LED-based systems lowering power consumption and enabling paperless operations that cut materials waste. The technology’s ergonomics—reduced walking, intuitive interfaces in Portuguese and Spanish, and better line-of-sight—address safety and absenteeism concerns, while analytics from connected, Industry 4.0-ready devices provide managers with real-time visibility into bottlenecks and picker performance.

Capital-expenditure barriers are easing as vendors and local integrators offer financing, leasing, and outcome-based models, allowing small and mid-size enterprises to justify upgrades without large upfront costs. Government-backed logistics infrastructure programs and private investments in ports, free trade zones, and industrial parks are stimulating complementary warehouse automation spend, where Pick-to-Light is often a first step before AS/RS or AMR deployments.

Importantly, the region’s variability in power quality and network conditions favors robust, Ethernet/fieldbus-ready controllers and hybrid wired-wireless architectures, making modern Pick-to-Light solutions more resilient and easier to maintain. As enterprises standardize processes across multi-site networks, the ability to roll out repeatable, modular, and quickly trainable picking cells becomes a board-level priority—positioning Pick-to-Light as a practical, high-impact enabler of South America’s shift toward faster, more accurate, and more sustainable fulfillment.

Recent Developments

• In June 2024, Aioi Systems Co., Ltd, Tokyo, unveiled three advanced functions in its pick-to-light systems to enhance logistics efficiency. The upgrades feature real-time data integration, an improved user interface, and enhanced error-proofing mechanisms. These innovations aim to strengthen picking accuracy, streamline workflows, and support higher productivity in warehouse and distribution operations.
• In June 2024, Germany-based KBS Industrieelektronik introduced the PTF-SUBC2, a compact controller engineered for small pick-to-light systems. Capable of managing up to 100 compartment displays, the system operates seamlessly via Ethernet, USB, or RS232 connections. This innovation delivers flexible, cost-effective, and scalable control solutions to optimize picking performance in warehouse environments.
• In April 2024, Switzerland’s Kardex launched its next-generation pick-to-light systems featuring advanced human-machine interfaces. The solutions are designed to enhance user interaction, simplify operational processes, and enable rapid workforce training. By improving productivity and reducing complexity, Kardex’s innovation addresses the growing demand for efficient, intuitive, and high-performance technologies in warehouse management.

Key Market Players

• AIOI Systems Co., Ltd.
• Kardex Holding AG
• KBS Industrieelektronik GmbH
• SSI Schäfer AG
• Daifuku Co., Ltd.
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Dematic Corporation
• Murata Machinery, Ltd.
• Lightning Pick Technologies (Matthews International Company)
• Bastian Solutions, LLC (Toyota Advanced Logistics company)

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Pick To Light Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Pick To Light Market, By Technology:

o   RFID-Based Pick to Light Systems

o   Camera-Based Pick to Light Systems

o   Laser-Based Pick to Light Systems  

• Pick To Light Market, By Application:

o   Distribution Centers

o   Manufacturing Facilities

o   Retail Stores

o   Pharmacies  

• Pick To Light Market, By Industry Vertical:

o   Automotive

o   Electronics

o   Healthcare

o   Food & Beverage

o   E-Commerce

• Pick To Light Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Kuwait

§  Turkey

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Pick To Light Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Pick To Light Market report with the given Market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players (up to five).

Global Pick To Light Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]