OptoBlog

Janice Colmer

Janice has worked at Opto 22 for nearly 20 years and is part of the marketing team that strives to share new and relevant content with the automation industry. She enjoys books, camping, country music, and spending time with family and friends.
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Recent Posts

A few seats are still available for August 2025 groov EPIC training

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 5, 2025 2:45:35 PM

Become familiar with edge controllers to bring more security, reliability and flexibility to your industrial automation projects.

Interested in learning more about edge controller technology? Need help to achieve digital transformation goals within your company? Or are you in search of a better solution for your current applications?

Attending an in-person groov EPIC training class at Opto 22 headquarters can help. No matter your level of experience in working with industrial controls, groov EPIC training is designed to accommodate.

Learn more details about the importance of classroom training and what classes still have open seats in 2025.

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Topics: Training, groov EPIC, Factory Training, edge computing, digital transformation

Kickstarting your UNS: Real devices. Real data. Real easy.

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 30, 2025 9:00:24 AM

New webinar to show you how easy it is to unlock OT data and build a Unified Namespace (UNS).

Want to prep for AI, analytics, or just stop struggling with stranded OT data? Not sure where to start?

Then you're invited to join Cirrus Link Solutions and Opto 22 in a live webinar. You'll learn how to:

  • Structure your industrial data
  • Build a unified namespace
  • Go from field to cloud using tools you already have

Read on for more event details and to save your seat for the August 13th webinar. 

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Topics: Webinars, MQTT, groov EPIC, Ignition, Cirrus Link Solutions, UNS, Unified Namespace

Get real-time visibility into the Amazon jungle

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 30, 2025 8:54:14 AM

New Control Global article shows you how to automate process data collection and monitoring in highly isolated locations.

Have you ever thought it would be possible to move data from the Amazon jungle to the cloud?

You can see a real working example of how it was achieved with Ignition Edge software, groov RIO hardware, and Azure Cloud. Get all the details in Jim Montague's recent article in Control Global.

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Topics: Case studies, Ignition Edge, OptoPartner, groov RIO, SCADA

Helpful tips for your groov EPIC or RIO terminal connectors

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 23, 2025 9:53:55 AM

Learn how to properly use your groov EPIC and groov RIO spring clamp terminal connectors.

How familiar are you with groov EPIC controllers or groov RIO edge I/O modules?

Do you know how to correctly use the spring clamps in the terminal connectors fitted on groov EPIC and RIO modules?

Opto 22's Product Support team often receives this question, so here is a step-by-step video explaining and showing the wiring process.

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Topics: Videos, groov EPIC, groov RIO

Monitor your legacy and new machines

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 23, 2025 9:49:34 AM

A new website resource page shows you how to get real-time data from old and new machines.

Keeping machines running smoothly is at the heart of every industrial operation. Machine monitoring can help you catch problems early, avoiding disruptions and downtime costs.

But is machine monitoring cost-effective only for new, high-tech equipment?

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Topics: Machine builder, machine data, machine monitoring

OptoPartners are ready to help with your projects

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 16, 2025 7:55:17 AM

Meet five new companies now in the Opto 22 system integrator network—offering you more IIoT application skills and experience with groov products.

Do you need help integrating, installing, or updating your Opto 22 system? Or reaching your digital transformation goals?
An
OptoPartner can help. 

OptoPartners have proven their engineering expertise and in-depth understanding of Opto 22 hardware (including groov EPIC and groov RIO) and software before they join the OptoPartner program. Our engineers verify their projects and knowledge.

Get to know the newest members in the program, and see if one might be a fit for your next project.

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Topics: groov EPIC, snap pac, system integrator, OptoPartner, groov RIO

Help is here for OEM machine designers

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 9, 2025 7:12:22 AM

Check out this new website resource to learn how groov products help you build better machines.

As an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), what sets you apart in your industry? How can you provide more value to your customers?

Opto 22 groov products are designed with OEM machine builders in mind. That's why you'll want to check out this new website resource dedicated to OEMs. It shows how you can:

  • Stand out with your customers
  • Reduce initial costs
  • Reduce ongoing costs

Learn how to build better machines and get the technical support you're counting on.

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Topics: Machine builder, OEM, groov EPIC, groov RIO

Custom curricula for your university or college

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 9, 2025 7:10:51 AM

Partner with Opto 22's educational engagement team to build courses and labs around your learning objectives.

Did you know Opto 22 offers special opportunities for education institutions?

Our Partnering in Education program makes it easy for technical colleges, engineering programs, and universities to reach out to Opto 22 for assistance.

See how you can get equipment, training, and help with technical curriculum to help today's students become tomorrow's automation engineers and technicians.

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Topics: Training, groov EPIC, Factory Training, groov RIO, Education Partnerships

Battery backup for your groov EPIC

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 2, 2025 7:16:41 AM

Replacement batteries for your groov EPIC PR1 and PR2 controllers are now available on the Opto 22 website.

Why are backup batteries important for your control systems? When it comes to groov EPIC, the battery maintains the time and date, and the RAM that holds persistent data (for example, persistent variables) from the PAC Control engine.

It's important to maintain that system information. Thanks to groov EPIC firmware 4.0, you have an easy way to know when your battery needs to be replaced.

Read on for details on new product replacement battery packs for your groov EPIC system, and a quick how-to video to walk you through the process.

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Topics: groov EPIC, groov Manage

From "old school" to completely scalable solutions

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 2, 2025 7:13:15 AM

Ridge Vineyards explains how to go from manual system checks to new automated control systems that integrate seamlessly with existing equipment.

Are maintenance issues disrupting your day-to-day operations? Are manual "old school" systems causing unplanned shutdowns?

It's a common scenario in many industries, but Opto 22's new case study involves an agricultural application that needed an automated, scalable, reliable solution.

Learn how Ridge Vineyards gave its operators real-time control and remote monitoring of its wastewater processes.

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Topics: Case studies, groov View, groov EPIC

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