Learn more about 4IR Solutions' new role as an Opto 22 Technology Partner and what this means for OEMs, system integrators, and end users.

In today's world of smart manufacturing, the focus has shifted to needing seamless integration between plant floor operations and cloud-based technologies.

With platforms like FactoryStack™ by 4IR Solutions, manufacturers can adopt cloud technologies quickly—without sacrificing reliability or plant-floor performance—even in environments with inconsistent connectivity.

Hear how using Opto 22's groov edge devices, along with tech partner 4IR's cloud infrastructure, can help you turn data into actionable insights.

About 4IR Solutions

4IR Solutions, in addition to being an Opto 22 Technology Partner, is an Inductive Automation Premier Technology Partner and the creator of FactoryStack™. FactoryStack™ is a managed platform that transforms industrial software deployments into production-grade solutions, complemented by proactive monitoring and day 2 support.

FactoryStack™ is purpose-built for manufacturers who need their Ignition deployments to remain secure, current, and operational across every plant, without building an internal platform team. 

Integration with Opto 22

groov EPIC and groov RIO hardware platforms establish the edge compute and I/O foundation for industrial deployments running Ignition. When Ignition Edge or full Ignition SCADA is deployed on or alongside these devices, manufacturers gain field-level connectivity, data contextualization, and control across their operations.

4IR Solutions enters the picture after that foundation is in place. FactoryStack™ is the managed operations layer that keeps the Ignition application stack running at enterprise scale—handling hosting (local and cloud), version management, patching, uptime, and OT security compliance across every site after Opto 22 hardware is deployed.

Together, Opto 22 hardware and FactoryStack™ address the full operational lifecycle: Opto 22 connects and contextualizes plant-floor data; FactoryStack™ ensures the software infrastructure above it stays current, secure, and available, day 2 and beyond. It has never been easier to unify multi-site data and OEM machines, and create enterprise applications for the industrial space. 

What Problems Can It Solve?

 Scaling architecture to new sites without rework
The problem:
Each new plant deployment risks becoming a one-off configuration. Enterprises lose the compounding value of a consistent, replicable OT stack.

The solution:
FactoryStack™ delivers a standardized OT architecture featuring Ignition that replicates across plants. New site onboarding is repeatable, not custom.

Connecting plant floor devices to Ignition in the cloud
The problem:
Manufacturers running Ignition want plant floor data from PLCs, sensors, and actuators, accessible in a cloud-hosted environment. Getting there typically requires multiple layers: OPC servers, communications gateways, middleware, and firewall configurations, all requiring ongoing maintenance by someone who understands both the OT and IT sides.

The solution:
Opto 22's groov EPIC or groov RIO running Ignition Edge publishes plant floor data via MQTT to a cloud-hosted FactoryStack™ environment. From the included MQTT broker, data moves securely through FactoryStack's managed Ignition gateway and database, provisioned, secured, and patched on enterprise cloud infrastructure. The architecture is lightweight, firewall-friendly, and repeatable.

The result is a complete, supported path from plant floor device to cloud-hosted Ignition: Opto 22 at the edge, an MQTT broker in the middle, and FactoryStack™ managing the Ignition environment in the cloud.

Delivering OT security and compliance across plants
The problem:
Enterprise manufacturers face increasing pressure to meet OT security mandates and IT governance requirements. Application-layer security, Ignition configuration, access control, encrypted communications, and audit trails require active, ongoing management.

The solution:
FactoryStack™ is a trusted IT and OT solution. It uses best practices from Inductive Automation and major cloud vendors to complement the security posture of the underlying Opto 22 hardware. 

Have questions or an application you'd like to discuss?
Talk to an Opto 22 engineer to get started, or visit the 4IR Solutions website for more information.