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

Make 2025 your year for learning edge controller technology

Posted by Janice Colmer on Sep 9, 2024 3:25:30 PM

Reserve your seat at one of the 2025 groov EPIC Premium Factory Training classes.

Are you interested in learning more about edge controller technology? Do you need help achieving digital transformation goals within your company? Or are you in search of a better solution for your current applications?

It's time to explore the latest types of controllers that can do so much more than a PLC. Make it happen by attending one of the 2025 groov EPIC Premium Factory Training (PFT) classes at Opto 22 headquarters in Temecula, California.

More classes have just been added to the schedule, along with a new PFT video. Watch for a sneak peek at what you can expect when you get to Opto HQ. 

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

Three chances to learn about groov with Ignition at ICC

Posted by Janice Colmer on Sep 4, 2024 8:58:30 AM

See how to break through the status quo with groov and Ignition by attending the Opto 22 sessions at the upcoming Ignition Community Conference.

Whether you're attending this year's Ignition Community Conference in person or with a livestream pass, you have plenty of opportunities to attend exhibitor demo sessions or see guest speakers presenting on a variety of educational topics—all centered around solutions using Ignition software.

This three-day event takes place September 17-19, 2024, in Folsom, CA, and although it recently sold out, you can still be part of the action by purchasing a Livestream pass.

Hosted by our technology partner Inductive Automation, the annual event grows in popularity each year as the number of Ignition software applications grows worldwide. The conference promises:

  • Global networking with the IA team as well as Ignition Community members
  • Learning opportunities through keynote speakers, expert panels, table talks, and breakout sessions
  • Interactive demos and use case presentations from exhibitors

You won't want to miss Opto 22's live demonstrations and sessions. The Opto 22 team returns this year as a sponsor, exhibitor, and key part of the Build-A-Thon! Here are some outstanding presentations to add to your schedule.

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Topics: Events & conferences, Ignition Edge, groov EPIC, Ignition, Ignition Community Conference, groov RIO

More OptoPartners to help with your projects

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 26, 2024 11:35:53 AM

Meet two new companies 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 implementing an Internet of Things project? 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: Double D Automation in California and Wunderlich-Malec, based in Minnesota. One might be a fit for your next project.

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Topics: IIoT, groov EPIC, OptoPartner, groov RIO

ISA automation event of the year comes to Charleston

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 19, 2024 10:44:59 AM

Join Opto 22 for a technical conference, exhibition, training, networking, awards recognition, and celebration.

Have you checked the Opto 22 events schedule lately? It's filling up with more opportunities to see live demos of groov EPIC and RIO—hopefully coming to a city near you! You can now find us in Charleston, South Carolina September 30 -  October 3, 2024, for the  International Society of Automation annual conference.

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Topics: Events & conferences, groov EPIC, Ignition, groov RIO

The learning continues with post-ICC workshops

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 13, 2024 1:41:45 PM

Register to attend one or more of the virtual workshops being offered after the Ignition Community Conference for a focused Ignition application experience.

Will you be one of the lucky attendees at the 2024 Ignition Community Conference? Only a few tickets are left. If you haven't registered yet, do it now! Join the Ignition community in Folsom, CA, September 17-19th.

If you can't attend in person, a live stream pass is also available. Either way, you'll have access to industry thought leaders, see innovative Ignition use cases, and learn from Ignition experts. Both passes include exhibitor presentations as well as seeing the featured session speakers.

But the learning doesn't stop there. ICC host Inductive Automation is also offering two weeks of virtual workshops after the conference. Each workshop is limited to 20 attendees, so early registration is encouraged. Don't miss Opto 22's post-ICC workshop: Collect, Model, and Democratize OT Data with Ignition Edge.

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Topics: Ignition Edge, Ignition, ICC, Ignition Community Conference, Ignition Cloud Edition, virtual workshop

Meet your new OptoDistributor in Australia

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 12, 2024 12:20:15 PM

Binford Tech delivers state-of-the-art engineering innovations for your digital transformation projects.

Good news for those of you in Australia: Binford Tech is now your official Opto 22 distributor! Whether you need a replacement part, information and training on the groov EPIC and groov RIO product lines, or help migrating legacy industrial systems to Industry 4.0 standards, Binford Tech is ready to help you.

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Topics: IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, groov EPIC, industrial automation, groov RIO, digital transformation, OptoChannel

Think beyond the traditional PLC

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 6, 2024 12:06:03 PM

The latest episode of The Automation Podcast walks you through a product demo that shows you what's possible with today's edge controllers.

If your applications are starting to require more than just the traditional PLC, here's an opportunity to get an "under the hood" look at the groov EPIC (Edge Programmable Industrial Controller) and groov RIO edge I/O. 

Opto 22's Director of Technical Marketing, Dan White, was recently asked to be a guest on The Automation Podcast. This podcast is one of the many resources hosted by Shawn Tierney on the Automation Blog website, along with his weekly Automation news show on LinkedIn.

Shawn knows his audience well and asks the questions that you want answered about new technologies and how they are used in the industrial automation space. Dan is eager to teach and help you make informed decisions about how to solve your automation problems.

In just under an hour, you'll get a better understanding of how groov EPIC and RIO give you new tools for your projects. Watch and learn.

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Topics: groov EPIC, industrial automation, podcast, groov RIO

New video: Find your ideal industrial automation manufacturer

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 5, 2024 1:53:29 PM

Looking for an innovative source to help with your application challenges?

What's on your list of requirements when selecting a supplier? How about 50 years of reliable products made in the U.S.A., multiple technologies for your digital transformation, and free product support and training?

That's the Opto 22 difference, and our engineering and sales teams are ready to help you with your projects.

Discover what makes Opto 22 different in this new, one-minute video.

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Topics: Videos, SSRs, groov EPIC, snap pac, groov RIO, Opto 22 product support

Reserve your seat for groov EPIC training

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 31, 2024 12:38:26 PM

Don't miss your chance for hands-on edge controller instruction & tips for choosing the best programming options for your control applications.

In-person training sessions at Opto 22 headquarters help you expand your skill set and find easier ways to meet your application challenges. We only have a few classes left this year and seats are filling up fast! 

Learn system components and configuration, networking capabilities, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and communication methods that you can apply to your own industrial automation application. You might just build a complete solution before you leave! And now is the time to reserve your spot.

Hear what this month's students had to say about their groov EPIC training experience. Then register to join us for the next class!

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Topics: Training, groov EPIC, Factory Training

Watch: Happy Anniversary Opto 22!

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 22, 2024 10:17:05 AM

Check out our fun, new video featuring our five-decade journey to see what products started it all and how far technology has come.

What's important to you in an industrial automation supplier? We often hear about reliability, innovation, and long-term support being at the top of that list. Rest assured, Opto 22's product philosophy incorporates all those ideals. 

You can feel secure in your product designs and confident in a manufacturer who is here to help support and achieve all your long-term project goals. 

Whether you’re looking for a product to take you to the next level of control and data communications, want a reliable automation system proven over many years, or just need another SSR to accompany that dusty, guaranteed-for-life one in some dark enclosure, Opto 22 is the place to come. 

This new video is a fun look back on how we got here. Please join us in celebrating 50 years of our company and product philosophy. We're glad you're along for the ride.

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Topics: Videos, Opto 22 product support, product philosophy, product design, Anniversary

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