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

An EPIC Case Study: American Metal Processing

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 14, 2020 10:05:08 AM

The nation's largest rotary heat-treating facility improves reliability, alarming, operator control, traceability, and data logging with groov EPIC.

When their PLCs began experiencing regular failures and the operating system of their HMI approached its end of life, American Metal Processing (AMP) knew it was "on borrowed time." In addition, the majority of system components were not integrated or automated beyond direct motor control. What was the best road to a modern system? How could the company achieve the data integrity, tracking, and connectivity required by their customers?

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Topics: Case studies, Node-RED, groov View, groov EPIC

Opto 22: Reconfigured and ready

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 11, 2020 10:56:13 AM

Our sales and engineering teams have implemented new online strategies to help with your automation projects.

Even before the onset of COVID-19, Opto 22 had begun reconfiguring its sales operations to better serve you. With today's business world relying on remote and online capabilities, we've now adapted to provide even more flexible, integrated support. 

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Topics: OptoU, COVID-19 Update, OptoChat, OptoForum

New White Paper: Building Industrial IoT from Edge to Cloud

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 31, 2020 8:43:52 AM

See how next-generation edge-based distributed I/O and controllers open new possibilities for connected infrastructure.

In the field of industrial automation, terms like digital transformation, the industrial internet of things (IIoT), or edge computing have become common topics of discussion. Today's businesses have IoT goals. End users need devices and applications to share data seamlessly across machines, sites, and the enterprise so they can optimize production and reduce costs. How do we achieve these goals?

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Topics: IIoT, Node-RED, MQTT, groov EPIC, Sparkplug, white paper, edge computing, groov RIO, Edge I/O

More OptoPartners = more options for completing your IoT projects

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 30, 2020 9:14:15 AM

Welcome five new automation and integration companies to the OptoPartner program.

We've introduced several new OptoPartner integrators this year, and that list continues to grow. Opto 22 is pleased to partner with more automation experts in the field who have a proven track record of success. We'd like you to meet the latest additions to the OptoPartner community:

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Topics: Integrators, IIoT, system integrator, OptoPartner

Protect Your groov Systems

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 17, 2020 10:30:54 AM

New groov enclosures provide protection and convenience for your groov EPIC and groov RIO products.

Opto 22's mechanical engineering team has just released two new products designed with our customers' groov systems installation projects in mind. If you are using groov EPIC or groov RIO for your applications, we now offer two options for wall-mounted enclosures to keep your systems protected and easily accessible. Both enclosures are made of sturdy polycarbonate, have a transparent cover, and are a handy size for small areas.

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Topics: groov EPIC, groov RIO

Ignition Community Live - you don't want to miss it

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 16, 2020 9:26:10 AM

Register to attend two upcoming Ignition Community Live events showcasing OptoPartners and Opto 22 products.

You might recall a recent Ignition Community Live that featured Opto 22 and Cirrus Link Solutions. It covered how to build a complete end-to-end IIoT connected solution from scratch. With product demos of groov EPIC and groov RIO, you saw how to easily connect data to and from the Edge to Ignition and beyond.

These popular live events, hosted by Inductive Automation, are a great way to get in on the action. Now you have a chance to participate in more of these Edge learning opportunities. We highly recommend two upcoming Ignition Live events to add to your calendar.

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Topics: Webinars, MQTT, Ignition Edge, groov EPIC, Ignition, groov RIO, Ignition Community Live

Comparing OPC UA with MQTT

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 14, 2020 8:32:42 AM

A new white paper published by Cirrus Link Solutions takes a deep dive into comparing these two industrial IoT protocols.

A common challenge is happening on manufacturing floors, process plants, and remote equipment sites everywhere. How do we deliver process data to consumers across the enterprise? But the industry is still deciding on a standard tool set that can be used at the scale of the Industrial Internet of Things.

A new white paper from Cirrus Link, IIoT Protocols: Comparing OPC UA to MQTT, compares two options that are on opposite ends of the spectrum; the traditional approach vs the modern solution.

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Topics: IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, MQTT, white paper, Inductive Automation, OPC UA, Cirrus Link Solutions

Enter the RIO world

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 23, 2020 9:54:21 AM

Take advantage of a new section of Opto 22's website devoted to groov RIO resources and tools.

As an OptoBlog subscriber, you've heard us talking about our latest edge I/O offering, groov RIO (GRV-R7-MM1001-10). It's I/O for the IIoT™. We've previously shared a press release, video, webinar, and a white paper resource for this exciting new product. And now there is one place to go for all your groov RIO questions...

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Topics: IIoT, Node-RED, MQTT, groov Manage, groov RIO, Edge I/O

Opto 22 Product Philosophy: What it means to you

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 19, 2020 8:00:00 AM

Learn how Opto 22's product timeline, design decisions, and legacy support can give you a competitive edge.

As an industrial automation professional, what's important to you in a supplier? Whether you're specifying parts for a new project, upgrading a current design, or considering a complete rebuild, how do you decide who to buy from?

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Topics: industrial automation, Opto 22 product support, product philosophy

Welcome new OptoPartners, new IoT solutions

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 15, 2020 11:06:08 AM

The OptoPartner system integrator network is expanding as four companies join the partner program to offer unique and customized product solutions.

2020 has been an exciting year for growing our OptoPartner program. We are continuing to expand our geographical reach as well as provide new edge technology support from our integrator partners.

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Topics: Integrators, IIoT, system integrator, OptoPartner

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