--- title: IPPE TECHTalk Examines a Business’s Readiness for Smart Automation description: "IPPE TECHTalk features CAT Squared's Jack Teague presenting \"How to Assess a Business's Readiness for Smart Automation and Winning Stakeholder Support\"" image: https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/IPPE-TECHTalk-photo.jpg --- [![logo-web-white](https://www.catsquared.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-web-white.png?width=250&height=129&name=logo-web-white.png) ![logo-web-color](https://www.catsquared.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-web-color.png?width=250&height=129&name=logo-web-color.png) ](https://www.catsquared.com?hsLang=en) [![Request a Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5976339/e5150a58-a274-410c-a164-4ef1b1555b90.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5976339/e5150a58-a274-410c-a164-4ef1b1555b90) [**](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/ippe-techtalk-examines-a-businesss-readiness-for-smart-automation#tmpmodule_1568761248550301) ** ###### 1 min read # [IPPE TECHTalk Examines a Business’s Readiness for Smart Automation](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/ippe-techtalk-examines-a-businesss-readiness-for-smart-automation) By [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) on Jan 8, 2023 8:59:10 PM ###### Topics: [continuous improvement](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/continuous-improvement?hsLang=en) [food manufacturing automation](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/food-manufacturing-automation?hsLang=en) [food manufacturing AI](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/food-manufacturing-ai?hsLang=en) [gaining support for technology projects](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/gaining-support-for-technology-projects?hsLang=en) [industrial internet of things](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/industrial-internet-of-things?hsLang=en) [digitized plant floor](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/digitized-plant-floor?hsLang=en) [industry 4.0](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/topic/industry-4-0?hsLang=en) ![IPPE TECHTalk Assessing Business Readiness for Smart Automation](https://www.catsquared.com/hubfs/IPPE-TECHTalk-photo.jpg) Join CAT Squared's Jack Teague for his IPPE TECHTalk presentation *Assessing a Business's Readiness for Smart Automation and Winning Stakeholder Support*. The presentation will feature three main objectives: 1. #### Applying the Manufacturing Maturity Model as an Assessment Tool 2. #### Determining Key Areas Where Smart Technology Can Maximize Value 3. #### Building a Successful Business Case to Justify Investment ![Jack Teague](https://www.catsquared.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jack.png?width=270&height=360&name=Jack.png)Jack has many years of experience implementing plant-floor solutions and helping poultry processors increase their digital capacity no matter where they are in their Industry 4.0 journey. During his presentation, Jack will share best practices for implementing Industry 4.0 technologies supported by real-world examples and processes to overcome common roadblocks. Prior to joining CAT Squared, Jack graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in biological and agricultural engineering and performed graduate research in food science. He then developed practical experience working on the plant floor in quality assurance for businesses engaged in peach processing, egg production, and instant and frozen rice production. ## See the IPPE TECHTalk WHERE: C Hall | Booth C10611  WHEN: Tuesday, January 24, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.  - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Kathy Barbeire](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/479ecbdebd3158d1e27b7bcfc1ecd8e2) #### Written by [Kathy Barbeire](https://www.catsquared.com/blog/author/kathy-barbeire) 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. 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