---
title: Default HubSpot Blog | Kathy Barbeire (5)
description: Kathy Barbeire is Senior Manager of Marketing at CAT Squared, where she helps communicate the role of connected software, operational data, and manufacturing execution systems in modern food production. Since joining CAT Squared in 2015, she has developed content that helps meat, poultry, egg, and further processing companies better understand topics such as MES, traceability, food safety, quality, inventory control, ERP integration, and plant-floor visibility. Kathy’s work focuses on turning complex technical and operational concepts into clear, practical stories for food manufacturers navigating change. She supports CAT Squared’s mission to help processors reduce manual work, improve visibility, strengthen traceability, and turn operational complexity into clarity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing, graduating magna cum laude with minors in Sociology and Information Technology, as well as an MBA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Before joining CAT Squared, Kathy worked with nonprofit organizations in data analysis, stakeholder engagement, program evaluation, and community outreach. (5)
---

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### Kathy Barbeire

[**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathybarbeire/)

Kathy Barbeire is Senior Manager of Marketing at CAT Squared, where she helps communicate the role of connected software, operational data, and manufacturing execution systems in modern food production. Since joining CAT Squared in 2015, she has developed content that helps meat, poultry, egg, and further processing companies better understand topics such as MES, traceability, food safety, quality, inventory control, ERP integration, and plant-floor visibility. Kathy’s work focuses on turning complex technical and operational concepts into clear, practical stories for food manufacturers navigating change. She supports CAT Squared’s mission to help processors reduce manual work, improve visibility, strengthen traceability, and turn operational complexity into clarity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing, graduating magna cum laude with minors in Sociology and Information Technology, as well as an MBA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Before joining CAT Squared, Kathy worked with nonprofit organizations in data analysis, stakeholder engagement, program evaluation, and community outreach.

#### Recent posts by Kathy Barbeire

###### 2 min read

## [5 Steps for Food Suppliers to Adopt Digital Supply Chain Technology](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/5-steps-for-food-suppliers-to-adopt-digital-supply-chain-technology)

 By [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) on Jan 8, 2021 4:01:46 PM

[![](https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/2021-Goals-1.png) ](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/5-steps-for-food-suppliers-to-adopt-digital-supply-chain-technology)

This last year revealed many vulnerabilities and challenges for food suppliers. The pandemic exposed a vulnerability in manufacturers’ reliance on human labor. Regulatory bodies like the [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/food/new-era-smarter-food-safety?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--aDC2Q4RxzK7AqU3md0sCi0sULmPeT7gd4Oa9HTJqP6gPR0Wo3tI3yHgQFi_qEkvB-0ylY), [USDA](https://cointelegraph.com/news/usda-proposes-blockchain-ledger-for-organic-product-supply-chain?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--aDC2Q4RxzK7AqU3md0sCi0sULmPeT7gd4Oa9HTJqP6gPR0Wo3tI3yHgQFi_qEkvB-0ylY), and [GFFA](http://www.fao.org/e-agriculture/international-digital-council-food-and-agriculture?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--aDC2Q4RxzK7AqU3md0sCi0sULmPeT7gd4Oa9HTJqP6gPR0Wo3tI3yHgQFi_qEkvB-0ylY) are compelling supply-chain participants to adopt common standards and digital technologies. Retailers – who are under pressure from consumers demanding more variety, sustainability, transparency, and ethical sourcing – are [increasingly willing to go around manufacturers](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-walmart-beef-idUSKCN1S021A?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--aDC2Q4RxzK7AqU3md0sCi0sULmPeT7gd4Oa9HTJqP6gPR0Wo3tI3yHgQFi_qEkvB-0ylY) to create the products they need if they can’t get the relationship they want with the manufacturer. These challenges will continue beyond 2021.

###### Topics: [Traceability technology](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/traceability-technology) [supply chain](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/supply-chain) [food traceability](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/food-traceability) [continuous improvement](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/continuous-improvement) [key data elements](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/key-data-elements) [manufacturing automation](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-automation) [critical tracking events](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/critical-tracking-events) [GS1 Standards](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/gs1-standards)

###### 1 min read

## [CAT Squared Thanksgiving Safety and Support Resources](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/cat-squared-thanksgiving-safety-and-support-resources)

 By [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) on Nov 18, 2020 5:57:46 PM

[![](https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/thanksgiving2020-1.png) ](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/cat-squared-thanksgiving-safety-and-support-resources)

The CAT Squared team wishes you a safe and healthy holiday. This year has been especially challenging for our customers, whose *essential* status means many of you have endured special hardships to keep our food supply chain running safely. Thank you!

###### 2 min read

## [Tom's Journey to Retirement](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/toms-journey-retirement)

 By [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) on Apr 20, 2020 10:51:35 PM

[![](https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/compressed-vjqn.png) ](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/toms-journey-retirement)

Please join our team in extending best wishes to CAT Squared Vice President of Sales Tom Huls as he embarks on his next great adventure in retirement. Tom has been a valuable leader of CAT Squared’s sales team for 13 years, capping a 47-year career.

###### Topics: [cat squared news](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/cat-squared-news)

###### 1 min read

## [CAT Squared Releases New Android Apps](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/cat-squared-releases-new-android-apps)

 By [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) on Mar 12, 2020 2:00:05 PM

[![](https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/android-wms-app.png) ](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/cat-squared-releases-new-android-apps)

In January 2020, Microsoft officially ended its support for Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5. This will complete the end-of-life process for all Windows ruggedized environments.

###### Topics: [food traceability](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/food-traceability) [android mobile handheld](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/android-mobile-handheld) [warehouse management software](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/warehouse-management-software) [wms software](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/wms-software) [warehouse management system](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/warehouse-management-system) [inventory management system](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/inventory-management-system) [barcode scanners](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/barcode-scanners)

###### 6 min read

## [How Technology and Consumers are Transforming the Food Value Chain](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/technology-consumers-transforming-food-value-chain)

 By [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) on Feb 11, 2020 5:15:39 PM

[![](https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/PurdueAg.png) ](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/technology-consumers-transforming-food-value-chain)

At Purdue University's National Conference for Food and Agribusiness, speakers presented results of the University’s research study analyzing what data is collected across the food value chain, how it’s shared, and to what extent it is used to make strategic decisions. The study focused on five levels of the value chain: ***(1) Ag Input Manufacturers, (2) Ag Retailers, (3) Farmers, (4) First Handlers/Food Processors, (5) Food Manufacturers, and (6) Food Retailers***. The event included panel discussions with representatives from each part of the value chain discussing trends they’re experiencing.

###### Topics: [Traceability technology](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/traceability-technology) [supply chain](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/supply-chain) [food traceability](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/food-traceability) [technology adoption](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/technology-adoption) [manufacturing technology](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-technology) [food manufacturing automation](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/food-manufacturing-automation) [regulatory compliance](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/regulatory-compliance) [food value chain](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/food-value-chain) [consumer demand](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/consumer-demand)

###### 2 min read

## [TacticalOps: Planning & Optimization Software for Food Manufacturers](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/tacticalops)

 By [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) on Jan 7, 2020 2:26:31 PM

[![](https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/TacticalOps-SocialMedia-1.jpg) ](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/tacticalops)

CAT Squared has partnered with [UniSoma](http://www.unisoma.com.br/?lang=en) to disrupt the food-processing software industry with the launch of [*TacticalOps*](https://www.catsquared.com/tacticalops?hsLang=en), our planning & optimization tool designed for food manufacturers. This exciting planning & optimization tool empowers food manufacturers with the ability to capture and manage real-time data from the plant floor and, using prescriptive analytics, peer into the future to make better decisions. UniSoma’s previous successes implementing planning and optimization tools based on predictive and prescriptive analytics yielded increased production efficiencies and improvements in planning accuracy. JBS reported an increase in the contribution margin of over 20% due to the use of UniSoma’s Meat Chain Optimizer. In another example, BRF reported $50 million in savings over a three-year period.

###### Topics: [food manufacturing AI](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/food-manufacturing-ai) [continuous improvement software](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/continuous-improvement-software) [production optimization](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/production-optimization) [meat chain optimization](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/meat-chain-optimization) [production planning software](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/production-planning-software) [optimize product mix](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/optimize-product-mix)

###### 2 min read

## [Leading in 'A New Era of Smarter Food Safety'](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/leading-new-era-smarter-food-safety)

 By [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) on Nov 12, 2019 7:27:50 PM

[![](https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/Era-of-smarter-food-safety.png) ](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/leading-new-era-smarter-food-safety)

On October 21, 2019, the [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/home) held a public meeting with a broad cross-section of industry stakeholders to build a shared vision around [A New Era of Smarter Food Safety](https://www.fda.gov/food/food-industry/new-era-smarter-food-safety), a campaign intended to strengthen the agency’s protection of the food supply.

###### Topics: [Era Smarter Food Safety](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/era-smarter-food-safety) [blockchain](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/blockchain) [Traceability technology](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/traceability-technology) [food traceability](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/food-traceability) [supply chain software](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/supply-chain-software) [prescriptive analytics](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/prescriptive-analytics) [food manufacturing AI](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/food-manufacturing-ai) [industrial internet of things](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/industrial-internet-of-things)

###### 2 min read

## [CAT Squared becomes IBM Food Trust blockchain onboarding partner](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/cat-squared-first-mes-provider-become-ibm-food-trust-onboarding-partner)

 By [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) on Nov 4, 2019 12:28:54 PM

[![](https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/IBM-Food-Trust-Business-Partner.png) ](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/cat-squared-first-mes-provider-become-ibm-food-trust-onboarding-partner)

CAT Squared is the first manufacturing execution system (MES) provider in the food industry to become an onboarding partner for [IBM Food Trust](https://www.ibm.com/blockchain/solutions/food-trust)TM, a blockchain-enabled global network of food chain participants that securely connects supply chain data across the ecosystem with trust and transparency.

###### Topics: [meat blockchain](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/meat-blockchain) [blockchain](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/blockchain) [Traceability technology](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/traceability-technology) [supply chain](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/supply-chain) [supply chain software](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/supply-chain-software) [manufacturing execution system](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-execution-system) [ctb food supplychain solutions](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/ctb-food-supplychain-solutions) [food value chain](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/food-value-chain) [industrial internet of things](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/industrial-internet-of-things)

###### 2 min read

## [CAT Squared Software Suite 2.5 Now Available](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/cat2-software-suite-2-5-features-power-bi)

 By [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) on May 14, 2019 5:27:25 PM

[![](https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/News-PowerBI-Integration.png) ](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/cat2-software-suite-2-5-features-power-bi)

CAT2 Software Suite 2.5 is now available to all CAT Squared customers using our .Net applications ([Executive Dashboards](https://www.catsquared.com/executive-dashboard?hsLang=en), [DSD](https://www.catsquared.com/direct-store-delivery?hsLang=en), [LIMS](https://www.catsquared.com/laboratory-information-management-lims?hsLang=en)). The Software Suite aggregates a number of CAT Squared applications into a single multi-function user interface. The application modules that are included in the first release of the Software Suite include the following:

###### Topics: [cat squared news](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/cat-squared-news)

###### 1 min read

## [A Part of Blockchain History](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/part-blockchain-history)

 By [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) on Apr 17, 2019 3:43:35 PM

[![](https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/Blockchain-legislation-arkansas.png) ](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/part-blockchain-history)

CAT Squared was honored to be a small part of blockchain history as Governor Hutchinson signed Arkansas’ first blockchain legislation embedding in law digital smart contracts. This milestone was a collaborative effort from early supporters of [Blockchain for Arkansas](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/cat-squared-supports-developing-food-blockchain-initiative-arkansas), an initiative to coordinate and align safety and distribution efforts among key industry leaders. 

 

*Standing behind Governor Hutchinson from left Jeannie Stroth (IBM), Marla Johnson (BCRS), Senator Joyce Elliott (sponsor), Evan Thompson, Ken Hubbell (BCRS), Samantha Lindstrom, Kathy Barbeire (CAT Squared), Richard Bearden, and Jennifer Peper (Aristotle Interactive).*

###### Topics: [blockchain](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/blockchain) [blockchain for arkansas initiative](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/blockchain-for-arkansas-initiative)

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