The first step toward reducing your energy spend is to analyze your utility bill.

In my previous blog post, “Why Consider Energy Monitoring” I proposed that acquiring data was essential to any project targeted at reducing an organization's energy spend. I also touched on how the electric utility bill for industrial users can be complex.

If you are considering monitoring your energy and power, a good first step would be to get a hold of and understand that bill. I thought I would analyze and share my thoughts on Opto 22’s bill, as it is probably very similar to the one for your industrial or commercial facility.

Topics: Energy management, IIoT, Data acquisition, digital transformation, power monitoring, groov rio emu, energy monitoring

Direct replacement available with SNAP-PAC-R1

Effective March 1st, 2022 the SNAP-PAC-EB1 and SNAP-PAC-EB2 Ethernet Brains will be End-of-Life (EOL). We always continue producing older products as long as possible (see Opto 22's product philosophy), but unfortunately we can no longer source an essential part for these brains.

We'll continue to accept new orders for these products until February 28th, 2022. Opto 22 reserves the right to approve and schedule all purchase orders for these products before confirmation.

Topics: PACs, snap pac

Monitoring energy use is a simple first step to decreasing costs and improving operations.

A manager usually doesn’t approve a major expenditure without a detailed accounting of where the money is spent. So why isn’t energy typically accounted for in the same way?

On the OT (Operational Technology) side of manufacturing, process, and other industrial facilities, energy is often a fixed, overhead cost. The plant manager or machine operator is responsible for performance metrics like throughput and quality, while the energy bill is paid by someone in the accounting department. The implication of this lack of energy visibility is often operational costs that are higher than necessary.

Topics: Energy management, groov EPIC, power monitoring

BDATA Solutions addresses the issue of Cybersecurity in IoT and Edge devices through blockchain technology.

With the recent well-publicized internet hacks, cybersecurity is unfortunately at the forefront of many people's minds. Our latest OptoPartner Video is timely, as BDATA Solutions uses Blockchain technology to address this issue in Industrial Internet of Things architecture.

Topics: Internet of Things, Remote monitoring, IoT, Security, EPIC, OptoPartner video

Experienced S.I. harnesses the power of Opto 22’s control system.

One thing is for sure -- RDI Controls knows turbine and governor control systems. That said, if you are looking for an experienced Opto 22 systems integrator that can tackle most any application, have a look at our latest OptoPartner video. 

Topics: PLCs, PAC Control, PID loop control, groov EPIC, industrial automation, snap pac, OptoPartner, OptoPartner video

Industrial automation hub brings the real-world into the classroom for students

Though I have the highest regard for the university where I received my engineering degree, I felt the curriculum was more theoretical than practical. I was steeped in differential equations and engineering mathematics and didn’t actually have a design project or build anything until my senior year.

Topics: Case studies, Videos, groov EPIC, industrial automation, Ignition, system integrator, groov RIO, digital transformation, Inductive Automation

Pressure testing validation of well control and BOP

In this OptoPartner video see Jeff Hilpert, President of Engenuity Inc., talk about the benefits of controls and data in a single solution.

Topics: Oil & gas, Node-RED, MQTT, CODESYS, groov EPIC, industrial automation, MariaDB, system integrator, OptoPartner, edge computing, OptoPartner video

Check out G5 Consulting in the latest OptoPartner video

Are you thinking about digital transformation, Industry 4.0 or IIoT and looking for someone to help get you there? Talk to David Schultz of G5 Consulting and Engineering Services.

Topics: IIoT, Node-RED, MQTT, Sparkplug, Ignition, system integrator, digital transformation, Cirrus Link Solutions, OptoPartner video

Instrulogic is “all-in” to serve you.

In our latest OptoPartner video, it is clear right at the start that Instrulogic Chief Operations Officer Jason Hamlin cares about service. Instrulogic has helped customers in the water and wastewater market along with other industries for over 30 years and also holds innovation as one of their core values.

Topics: IoT, MQTT, Ignition, system integrator, Inductive Automation, Cirrus Link Solutions, OptoPartner video

Though JP Plus has been in business for seven years, Juan Peguero’s experience with Opto 22 goes back to 1997.  One of the many things that has always made JP Plus a valued OptoPartner is their rapid response team. Often our customers need on site support or help on short notice and JP Plus never disappoints.  Juan also points out how they have adapted to the new “remote” world and are helping clients that way as well.

Topics: IoT, PAC Control, Node-RED, MQTT, data visualization, industrial automation, OptoPartner, OptoPartner video