Catch weight – explained simply

Catch weight items are products with variable weight that are sold both by quantity and by weight. Examples include cuts of meat, fish fillets, wheels of cheese, as well as fruit and vegetables.

Because catch weight products are not uniformly weighed, their recording and billing require specialized systems. Companies in the food and process industries therefore rely on digital solutions for weight documentation, price calculation, and inventory management.

A typical example of catch weight in the process industry is the processing of salmon fillets. Since each fillet has an individual weight, billing is based on the actual weight rather than by piece.

Practical example:

• A food manufacturer processes salmon into portioned fillets.
• Each fillet is weighed and priced per kilogram (e.g., €25.99/kg).
• A fillet weighing 450 g costs €11.70, while a smaller fillet of 380 g costs €9.88.
• In production, digital weighing systems and ERP software must record the exact weight to ensure accurate inventory management and billing.

Other examples: catch weight is also relevant for blocks of cheese, poultry, or meat portions.

Many products in the process industry are not produced or sold with a fixed weight. Companies must record and manage variable weights accurately to operate profitably and in compliance with regulations.

Typical industries where catch weight is relevant:

• Food industry & agriculture: meat, fish, cheese, fruit, grains, seafood
• Chemicals & pharmaceuticals: liquid or powdered raw materials are handled in flexible container sizes and must be dosed precisely

Challenges & solutions:
For the process industry, this means companies need flexible ERP and inventory management systems that can automatically record and manage variable weight units. Digital scales and interfaces make it possible to transfer weight data directly into the ERP system in real time – ensuring accurate inventory control, transparent pricing, and seamless logistics.

Catch weight impacts a wide range of logistics processes:

• Inventory and stock management: accurate weight recording for reliable inventory control
• Picking and packaging: flexible systems to handle varying weights
• Shipping and transport: precise weight calculation for freight costs and load security

Companies rely on specialized IT systems to ensure automated weight recording and management.

Depending on the industry, companies working with catch weight must comply with various legal requirements and quality standards:

• Labeling requirements
  Products with variable weight must be correctly declared. Mandatory information includes exact weight, nutritional values, and origin.
• Consumer protection & transparency
  Legal frameworks demand clear information on ingredients, origin, and quantities to ensure fair pricing.
• Food safety & traceability
  In the food industry, precise documentation and traceability are essential to respond quickly in case of quality issues.
• Quality and hygiene standards
  Industries such as food and chemicals must comply with standards like HACCP, IFS, or BRC to ensure hygiene, product safety, and temperature requirements.
• Data protection in digital processes
  When using digital systems for weight recording, data protection regulations such as GDPR must be observed – particularly when handling sensitive supplier or customer data.

To automate and manage catch weight efficiently, companies rely on specialized ERP systems. A proven option is Yaveon’s industry ERP solution, developed specifically for the process industry and equipped with comprehensive catch weight management functions.

• Automatic recording of variable weights in production lines: direct connection to digital scales for precise weight data
• Seamless integration into ERP and logistics systems: linking purchasing, sales, and warehouse processes for end-to-end workflows
• Optimized production and logistics planning: accounting for variable weights in quantity planning, cost calculation, and inventory management
• Complete traceability: essential for industries with strict regulatory requirements