By 2027, retailers must be able to scan a 2D barcode to retrieve the GTIN-12 (UPC) data string in addition to the linear, 1D EAN/UPC barcode that is commonly used today for pricing information at checkout. This does not mean the linear UPC barcode will go away entirely, but product suppliers will be able to choose between using a 2D barcode or both barcodes on their POS items.

The rollout of the 2D barcode requirement is supported through Sunrise 2027, a new initiative from GS1 US – a neutral, not-for-profit organization that develops internationally recognizable supply chain standards.

The CAT Squared User Summit is designed to add value to food production operations by sharing best practices in the industry for adopting new technology to manufacturing processes.

On October 21, 2019, the FDA 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, a campaign intended to strengthen the agency’s protection of the food supply.

CAT Squared is the first manufacturing execution system (MES) provider in the food industry to become an onboarding partner for IBM 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.

For nearly 25 years, CAT Squared has developed manufacturing execution systems (MES) to manage plant-floor processes for food processing facilities. CAT Squared’s MES delivers end-to-end traceability from receiving of ingredients and dry goods through shipping of final product. By combining our MES with blockchain and other IIoT technologies, CAT Squared can now expand the reach of our capabilities outside the four walls of the plant, connecting all participants of the food value chain.

CAT Squared is working hard to bring our customers the best manufacturing operations management software available in the industry. We are committed to releasing new functionality to our customers three times each year. As a reminder to our customers, new releases are available in January, May, and September.

CAT Squared is proud to announce the release of our new Direct Store Delivery (DSD) app for mobile devices. DSD provides route accounting, inventory control, mobile point-of-sale, and delivery functionality. The app integrates into a company's ERP, CRM, and WMS systems reconciling financial and inventory data.