CAT Squared is the first manufacturing execution system (MES) provider in the food industry to become an onboarding partner for IBM Food TrustTM, a blockchain-enabled global network of food chain participants that securely connects supply chain data across the ecosystem with trust and transparency.

“In 2018, Walmart mandated all its leafy-greens suppliers to implement end-to-end traceability and referred their suppliers to Food Trust as part of the initiative,” said CAT Squared Marketing Manager Kathy Barbeire. “If any of our customers become part of such a mandate, they will need support connecting to the blockchain platform. We want our customers to know that we are prepared to support them, and we are excited to be the first MES provider to complete the onboarding process with Food TrustTM. We are now taking steps towards providing a fully blockchain-enabled traceability solution for our customers.”

“Blockchain projects require clean, accurate, trusted, verifiable data,” said CAT Squared CEO Vernon Smith. “Much of this data is housed either in a company’s ERP or its MES. It’s commonly known that there are many data-collection gaps with ERP systems because they just don’t have the capability to integrate into the plant floor. To fill those gaps, MES providers must understand the APIs (Application Program Interfaces) necessary to contribute data to a blockchain.”

“CAT Squared is currently working with IBM Food TrustTM to create new blockchain solutions for our customers that leverage standards developed by GS1, an organization that develops global business communications,” said CAT Squared R&D Manager Mark Bowden.

CAT2 FoodTrace

CAT Squared is developing a blockchain solution for food manufacturers that will offer varying levels of supply-chain visibility to three distinct user groups:

  • Food Manufacturer Portal: provides CAT Squared’s customers with a complete view of their plant-floor production data as well as supply chain data.
  • Retail Portal: gives retailers access to select data for mock recalls and freshness tracking.
  • Consumer Portal: shows select traceability and freshness data to consumers via scanning the product QR code with their mobile device. It will also allow manufacturers to offer coupon discounts and view data on what products are being scanned at which retailer outlet.

To learn more about CAT Squared and the company’s approach to blockchain technology, email TellMeMore@catsquared.com.

Kathy Barbeire

Written by Kathy Barbeire

Kathy Barbeire is a seasoned professional with a strong track record in leveraging new technology, data analysis, and storytelling to drive organizational success. As the marketing manager at CAT Squared since 2015, Kathy stays updated on industry trends to ensure our products remain adaptable to evolving standards and prepares our customers for disruptive technologies. She actively participates in a blockchain learning group associated with Blockchain for Arkansas (BC4AR), an initiative led by Governor Asa Hutchinson. Kathy's expanding knowledge and expertise enable her to create informative content that educates our supply chain partners and helps them navigate upcoming transitions. Kathy's educational background includes graduating magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in professional and technical writing, along with double minors in sociology and information technology. She later completed the MBA program at UALR. Prior to joining CAT Squared, Kathy applied her passion for data-driven storytelling to assist nonprofits in defining goals, tracking program metrics, and engaging donors and community stakeholders. She served as a program manager at the Our House Homeless Shelter in Little Rock and later at The Salvation Army Central Arkansas Area Command.