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.
Why CAT Squared Recommends Hardware for MES and ERP Systems
Historically, our focus has been software-first. But over time, it became clear that our customers depend on us for more than just code—they rely on us for complete system performance. That includes the scanners, scales, and other industrial devices that feed critical data into our MES and ERP systems.
We’ve consistently fielded questions like:- "What scanner works best in cold food processing environments?"
- "Which barcode devices integrate cleanly with your MES platform?"
- "Can you recommend reliable hardware for operators on the floor?"
Until now, those answers have been shared directly with the customer. But as more customers modernize operations and navigate an overwhelming market of hardware options, we’ve decided to make our insights public.
Benefits of Official Hardware Recommendations for Food Manufacturing
- We’ll continue to test and vet hardware for compatibility, durability, and performance in food manufacturing environments.
- Only devices that pass our internal due diligence will be listed as CAT Squared recommended.
- You’ll start seeing blog posts, email updates, and hardware specs on our website under recommended devices for MES and ERP.
- In some cases, we may offer sourcing assistance through trusted vendors.
Keyence BT-A600: Our First Recommended Handheld Scanner
Our first official recommendation is the Keyence BT-A600 handheld barcode scanner. It addresses two of the most common gaps our customers face: durability in cold environments and the need for a physical keyboard. Plus, it delivers fast, reliable scanning and long battery life—even in harsh food production settings.
👉 Read why we recommend the Keyence BT-A600
Expanding Hardware Recommendations for Industrial Plant Environments
This is just the beginning. We plan to expand our recommendations across categories like label printers, industrial PCs, and other hardware critical to MES and ERP system performance. Our goal is simple: help you build a smarter, more resilient plant by taking the guesswork out of hardware selection.
Stay tuned.
