Previously in our Beyond ERP series, we saw how an MES complements an ERP by managing plant-floor operations in detail. But what does this mean for your bottom line and overall performance? In this final part of our series, we focus on the business benefits of combining ERP with a Manufacturing Execution System – specifically, how this “execution layer” drives end-to-end traceability, enables ongoing continuous improvement, and ultimately delivers a compelling Return on Investment (ROI). We’ll also share real-world examples demonstrating the value of MES software for food manufacturing.
Kathy Barbeire
Recent posts by Kathy Barbeire
7 min read
Beyond ERP - Part 3: MES + ERP = Real ROI in Food Manufacturing
Topics: MES vs ERP erp integration in food manufacturing erp limitations food manufacturing mes
4 min read
Beyond ERP — Part 2: Bridging the Execution Gap in Food Manufacturing
In Part 1 of our Beyond ERP series, we explored why traditional ERP platforms struggle with the realities of food manufacturing. Now, let’s focus on the solution: a Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
A food-industry MES is purpose-built to manage and record what happens on the factory floor in real time. It doesn’t replace your ERP — it enhances it. With an MES, meat and poultry processors gain control over disassembly, yield tracking, traceability, and execution.
Topics: MES vs ERP erp integration in food manufacturing erp limitations food manufacturing mes
3 min read
Beyond ERP — PART 1: Managing Plant-Floor Operations in Food Manufacturing
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are essential for food manufacturers, providing centralized control over finance, procurement, and inventory management. But when it comes to plant-floor execution, especially in meat and poultry operations, ERP alone often isn’t enough.
In this first post of our Beyond ERP blog series, we break down the limits of ERP in food manufacturing and introduce the processes where an MES (Manufacturing Execution System) outperforms ERP—particularly in disassembly, reassembly, mixing, traceability, and yield tracking.
Topics: erp limitations food manufacturing mes
3 min read
How Real-Time Traceability Software Reduces the Cost and Scope of Food Recalls
When a food recall happens, the damage is rarely limited to just the affected products. In many cases, the entire production run—or even multiple lots—gets pulled from the market because companies can’t pinpoint the exact scope of contamination.
Topics: real-time traceability software food recall mitigation tools kde and cte traceability reduce scope of food recall food traceability ROI precision food traceability recall cost food industry
3 min read
FSMA 204 Traceability Software: Going Beyond Basic Compliance
FSMA 204 is changing how food manufacturers approach traceability. Under the new rule, certain foods on the FDA's Food Traceability List (FTL) require more robust tracking, including documentation of Key Data Elements (KDEs) and Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). But simply meeting the minimum requirements isn’t enough to protect your business.
Topics: food traceability solutions traceability software for food processors fsma 204 traceability kde cte compliance recall prevention food industry
2 min read
What Is the Difference Between MES and MOM in Food Manufacturing?
Food manufacturers today face constant pressure to do more with less—improve yield, reduce waste, ensure traceability, and scale across multiple facilities. But without the right digital infrastructure in place, these goals are difficult to achieve. That’s where MES and MOM come into play.
In this post, we’ll explain the difference between Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM)—and why this distinction matters for companies looking to modernize.
We’ll also introduce a free white paper that outlines a proven methodology for implementing MES in food production and showcases real-world results from Cargill and Gedik Piliç.
Topics: food traceability food manufacturing software manufacturing execution system yield optimization in food production MES vs MOM digital transformation in food processing erp integration in food manufacturing
2 min read
Best Handheld Scanner for Food Manufacturing? Why CAT Squared Recommends the Keyence BT-A600
Food manufacturing environments demand barcode scanners that can withstand cold storage, handle high-speed workflows, and integrate seamlessly with MES and ERP systems. The Keyence BT-A600 is the newest device we’ve tested and now officially recommend for customers using CAT Squared’s MES platform. Here’s why it stands out.
1 min read
CAT Squared’s Hardware Picks for Seamless MES & ERP Integration
At CAT Squared, we’ve built our reputation on delivering powerful MES software tailored to the needs of food manufacturers. But behind the scenes, we’ve always done more—testing, configuring, and supporting the hardware that keeps plant-floor systems running.
Now, we’re making our hardware recommendations official to better support MES and ERP integration in food production environments.
4 min read
Why 8 of the Top 15 U.S. Turkey Producers Rely on CAT Squared’s MES to Maximize Yield and Minimize Waste
Profitability in turkey processing often depends on a few critical factors: reducing downtime, increasing line efficiency, maximizing yield, and minimizing giveaway. That’s why leading poultry processors turn to CAT Squared’s MES for turkey processing -- an integrated software platform built to tackle the unique challenges of poultry production and deliver measurable results.
Topics: manufacturing execution system Turkey producers turkey processing MES poultry industry software food production MES
5 min read
What Food Manufacturers Get Wrong About Automation
In the race to modernize operations, many food manufacturers equate automation with hardware. They invest in robotic arms, automated conveyors, and high-speed packaging systems — expecting a fast return on investment through increased output and reduced labor.
