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

Cybersecurity on the Edge - Part 2

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 26, 2022 11:15:42 AM

Part 2 of our interview with Industrial Cybersecurity Pulse addresses edge communications and reducing network complexity.

Last week in the OptoBlog, we shared a recent interview where Josh Eastburn had a discussion with ICS Pulse's Gary Cohen about using industrial devices on the edge of your networks and their effect on cybersecurity.

Their conversation continues in Part 2 of this Expert Interview series and covers: 

  • OT data risks
  • Different OT communication protocol models
  • How MQTT addresses security threats
  • Reducing network complexity
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Topics: IIoT, cybersecurity, edge computing, Expert Interview series

The Art of the Possible: Easy, Scalable, Maintainable Data When and Where You Need It

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 20, 2022 8:30:00 AM

Hear from John Harrington, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at HighByte, as our guest series on the open automation ecosystem continues.

Many companies are looking to improve their business by collecting and making better use of industrial data. Whether you are performing AI/ML-based predictive analytics, setting up quality dashboards, measuring lean projects, or simply logging for traceability, you require consistent, reliable, and secure data. At HighByte, an industrial software company, we’re focused on providing the infrastructure to reliably manage data delivery at scale. 

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Topics: IIoT, groov EPIC, edge computing, groov RIO, Art of the Possible, HighByte, OT data

Cybersecurity on the Edge

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 19, 2022 1:00:00 PM

A discussion with Industrial Cybersecurity Pulse about edge devices and cybersecurity

Industry 4.0 and edge computing concepts are becoming more commonplace in a variety of industries. Data democratization is key for companies taking on their digital transformations. But along with these advancements come extra security risks. 

How can you address cybersecurity threats for these devices on the edge of your networks? We have some thoughts on that, and Josh Eastburn shared some insights when he recently sat down with Gary Cohen, senior editor at Industrial Cybersecurity Pulse.

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Topics: IIoT, cybersecurity, edge computing, Expert Interview series

Time to update: groov RIO 3.4 with OPC UA server

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 13, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Following the recent groov EPIC 3.4 firmware update, groov RIO offers similar updates in its 3.4 release.

Here are some exciting additions in the latest groov RIO 3.4 package. All these new features are available in all groov RIO models: MM1, MM2 and RIO EMU.

The biggest news is the embedded OPC UA server. This is a first of its kind: a fully functioning OPC UA server option for a remote, Ethernet-based input/output module.

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Topics: Updates, MQTT, groov RIO, OPC UA, groov rio emu, Version 3.4 update

Design your groov systems online

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 13, 2022 9:33:00 AM

Take advantage of the groov EPIC Configurator and groov RIO Explorer tools on the Opto 22 website.

If you're considering the groov EPIC edge controller or groov RIO edge I/O modules for your projects, check out the online tools on our website that help you design these systems. You'll be able to view all the components that make up the system and select the ones you need for your specific application. 

In the interactive groov EPIC Configurator, you click and choose components like processors, power supplies, I/O modules, and signals, so you can start building your system online.

In the groov RIO Explorer, you can select each of the software-configurable I/O channels to see all the various I/O signals types available, so you can determine if groov RIO is right for your remote I/O needs.

You can even send your selections to Opto 22 application engineers for review. They can review your design with you to make sure you're meeting all the requirements for your project. Does this sound like a helpful resource you'd like to learn more about?
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Topics: groov EPIC, groov RIO, interactive demo, product design

Indiana helps manufacturers optimize energy use

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 5, 2022 1:23:17 PM

A recent article featured in Control magazine outlines the project that brought together the state of Indiana and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Indiana is leading the way in advancing manufacturers to make Industry 4.0 quick, simple, and cost-effective. The state has launched a first-of-its-kind program to enable its manufacturing industries to become the Factories of the Future.

This unique energy project brought together many key players including Energy Systems Network (ESN), Emerging Manufacturing Collaboration Center (EMC2), Amazon Web Services (AWS), OptoPartner Feyen Zylstra, and even Opto 22.

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Topics: Energy management, groov EPIC, groov RIO, Amazon Web Services

HiveMQ demo to feature groov RIO

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 28, 2022 1:34:23 PM

Opto 22 Tech Partner HiveMQ hosts an all-new webinar using MQTT technology with groov RIO.

Need to push IIoT data instantly and bi-directionally between your device and your enterprise systems? 

HiveMQ shows you how to efficiently move data across networks and cloud platforms with their MQTT broker and client-based messaging platform. Key features: high availability, security, real-time troubleshooting, and management tools. 

These are just a few of the reasons Opto 22 has partnered with HiveMQ for both groov EPIC and groov RIO products.

Want to see this technology in action?

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Topics: Webinars, MQTT, groov RIO, HiveMQ

Want to join our Opto 22 team?

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 14, 2022 7:00:00 AM

Opto 22 is currently recruiting for multiple engineering, technical documentation, and web developer positions.

Looking for a new career opportunity? Ready to work with enthusiastic, friendly, dedicated people who are passionate about what they do? Then consider joining Team Opto.

We've been in business for more than 45 years and financial stability is a cornerstone to our success. The company structure is flat, so there's not a lot of management to slow things down. We run lean, frequently lead the way into new territory in the automation field, and everybody works together to get things done. 

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Topics: Careers, Technical Writer, Firmware Engineer, Applications Engineer

System integrators to network in Denver

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 13, 2022 9:50:37 AM

The annual CSIA Conference is back and takes a deep dive into "The Future of Work"

The annual CSIA Executive Conference is once again an in-person event. Join 500+ system integrators and industry partners in Denver, Colorado, June 27-30, 2022.

To help you navigate this (pandemic-influenced) new world, the 2022 CSIA Executive Conference will take a deep dive into “The Future of Work.” From keynote presentations to panel discussions to one-on-one networking, you’ll discover how thought leaders, industry experts, and most importantly, your peers are addressing these challenges.

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Topics: Events & conferences, industrial automation, system integrator, OptoPartner, Inductive Automation

Launching a Nationwide Equipment Network

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 9, 2022 9:11:16 AM

ALTA Refrigeration achieves faster, easier product development and servicing with groov EPIC and MQTT.

What’s the secret to providing superior service and staying competitive in a changing market? Over ten years, ALTA Refrigeration transformed itself from a custom engineering services company into a scalable industrial equipment manufacturer. Read their case study.

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Topics: Case studies, MQTT, groov EPIC

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