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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

Add LoRa sensors to your control program

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 26, 2023 7:27:24 AM

See how to set up a full LoRaWAN network stack in the latest episode of IntegrateLive! 

Last week, Opto 22's Benson Hougland joined the IntegrateLive! team for another hands-on project.

Sarah Sonnier and Jessica Williams from SiteSync also joined, to focus on using a groov EPIC and the SiteSync MultiTech gateway to set up a full LoRaWAN network stack. (LoRaWAN is a low-power, wide area networking protocol built on top of the LoRa radio modulation technique.)

The setup included a LoRaWAN Network Server, Join Server, and Application Server. Curious how it turned out? Watch the live demo.

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Topics: Webinars, groov EPIC, IntegrateLive!, LoRaWAN

Three simple steps to a groov View HMI

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 18, 2023 10:31:01 AM

Watch this updated groov View Quick Start video to learn how simple it is to start designing and building your HMI.

With browser-based groov View, you can easily build an operator interface to see and interact with exactly what you need. groov View is included with groov EPIC and groov Server for Windows.

To help you get up and running in no time at all, we've put together a new video that takes you through 3 simple steps of setting up an HMI with groov View. This is a quick, high-level overview presentation designed to get you started and more comfortable with the tool.

Watch and learn: groov View Quick Start.

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Topics: Videos, groov server for windows, groov View, groov EPIC, HMI

Improve OEE in minutes

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 11, 2023 11:08:25 AM

Watch Opto Technology Partners HiveMQ and 4IR Solutions improve OEE in this 60-minute webinar recording.

One of the most important manufacturing industry innovations has been the concept of OEE or Overall Equipment Effectiveness. OEE can help just about any manufacturing and production line in the world.

If you're looking to improve your OEE metrics and boost productivity, this webinar our friends at HiveMQ and 4IR Solutions put together is a must-watch. 

Experts from HiveMQ, 4IR, and Riveron guide you through the process of implementing, measuring, and improving OEE, even if you’re starting from scratch.

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Topics: Webinars, groov EPIC, OEE, Technology Partners

More groov EPIC graduates for the class of 2023

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 28, 2023 12:02:03 PM

Opto 22 welcomes another full class of students for the June 2023 groov EPIC Premium Factory Training class.

Are you looking for in-person, classroom PLC training? Or do you need help configuring and programming hardware and software for your industrial automation or IIoT application? Our groov EPIC Premium Factory Training course is for you!

The latest group of 12 students complete the program this week. They now have new knowledge and skills to apply to their own applications when they return home. 

This month we have a few local visitors, but students also made the trip from as far as Texas, New Mexico, Alabama, Maryland, Florida, Washington, and the Carolinas. They're spending 4 days immersed in the groov EPIC system—learning all its features, capabilities, and programming options.

See what's included when you sign up to learn about groov EPIC - the Edge Programmable Industrial Controller.

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Topics: Training, groov EPIC, Factory Training

Elevate your Ignition project at ICC 2023

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 21, 2023 8:46:50 AM

Get three days of inspiration for your automation projects at the annual Ignition Community Conference in September.

The Ignition Community Conference sells out fast! Don't miss out on the opportunity for early bird registration available through July 16th.

This year's event, as always hosted by our technology partner Inductive Automation, takes place September 26 - 28, 2023 at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom, CA. And the Opto 22 team returns as a sponsor and exhibitor. 

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

Ready for LoRaWAN?

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 20, 2023 1:21:10 PM

IntegrateLive! is back with a virtual workshop that involves LoRaWAN and groov EPIC.

On July 19, 2023, at 8:00 am PDT, the IntegrateLive! team rolls up their sleeves for another hands-on project.

This IntegrateLive! Virtual Workshop will be led by Sarah Sonnier and Jessica Williams from SiteSync, as well as Benson Hougland from Opto 22. They'll focus on using a groov EPIC and the SiteSync MultiTech gateway to set up a full LoRaWAN network stack. (LoRaWAN is a low-power, wide area networking protocol built on top of the LoRa radio modulation technique.)

The setup will include LoRaWAN Network Server, Join Server, and Application Server. Register to attend.

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Topics: Webinars, groov EPIC, IntegrateLive!, LoRaWAN

StrataVu brings an EPIC solution to oil and gas projects

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 13, 2023 10:56:35 AM

New Opto 22 technology partner Strata Innovative Solutions announces StrataVu: software that empowers programmers of all levels.

Looking for an affordable way to manage and automate your well pads?

Opto 22 is excited to announce we've partnered with another leader in digital transformation and the oil and gas industry: Strata Innovative Solutions.

The Strata engineering teams bring a deep understanding of the process, agile engineering, and systems integration that speeds efficiencies and reduces costs. Strata’s advanced capabilities offer customers unique advantages with edge-to-cloud solutions that transform data into actionable information and deliver it at scale to the people who need it—anytime and anywhere—while keeping cybersecurity at the forefront.

Which is why their latest software offering, StrataVu, fits perfectly with the out-of-the-box cybersecure, industrial edge controller groov EPIC.

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Topics: Oil & gas, IIoT, groov EPIC, edge computing, digital transformation, Technology Partners

MAC Automation is ready for your projects

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 7, 2023 6:30:00 AM

Welcome MAC Engineering & Automation as an IoT Certified OptoPartner.

Looking to get started with an Internet of Things (IoT) project or application? MAC Engineering & Automation can help. They just received IoT certification from Opto 22 engineers based on their success in applications using groov EPIC and RIO.

Opto 22's Southeast Regional Manager, Dan White, recently worked with the team from MAC and shared:

"MAC Automation's expertise in designing and implementing complex industrial automation solutions makes them a perfect fit as an OptoPartner. With a deep knowledge of control systems, robotics, and process optimization, MAC Automation can collaborate with Opto 22 to deliver more innovative solutions."

Hear from MAC Automation on how they can help you with your next project.

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Topics: IIoT, groov EPIC, OptoPartner, edge computing, groov RIO, SCADA

Another groov EPIC factory training in the books

Posted by Janice Colmer on May 24, 2023 9:17:51 AM

Opto 22 headquarters welcomed students to the May 2023 groov EPIC Premium Factory Training class.

The value of in-person, instructor-led training at the Opto 22 factory and headquarters is evident after working with another great class of Opto students this week—all eager to become groov EPIC experts. And kudos, once again, to the team of Opto trainers who devote their time to developing a class curriculum that is beneficial for all levels of engineering and types of applications.

This month, students made the trip to California from Texas, Oklahoma, Utah and even Canada to attend and spend 4 days immersed in the groov EPIC system—learning all its features, capabilities, and programming options.

If you haven't attended training yet, we hope you can join us at one of our upcoming classes.

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Topics: Training, groov EPIC, Factory Training

True North Solutions brings oil & gas experience to OptoPartner program

Posted by Janice Colmer on May 24, 2023 8:56:19 AM

Welcome True North Solutions as the newest OptoPartner in Opto 22's system integrator network.

The OptoPartner program is growing rapidly in 2023, and we're pleased to announce we just added another new member: True North Solutions. With headquarters based in both Colorado. USA and Alberta, Canada, they offer a wide range of services that includes IIoT solutions, cybersecurity, industrial telecom, electrical, mechanical, and process engineering.

Opto 22's Northwest Regional Manager, Bruce Campbell, has been working with True North Solutions and shared:

"True North Solutions is an important new integration partner for Opto 22. They have a long history in automation in the Oil and Gas industry in Colorado and Western Canada, two areas that have been big adopters of Opto 22's groov EPIC control system. Their expertise in designing and implementing turnkey control systems will help us deliver complete solutions to customers."

Learn more about their experience and expertise.

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Topics: CODESYS, groov EPIC, OptoPartner, groov RIO

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