A common challenge of digital transformation projects and IIoT deployments is integrating and sharing data between different systems and services. Many applications become a complex set of integrations between hardware devices and software services. Even with systems based on open architecture, true interoperability can sometimes be difficult.

Topics: IIoT, groov EPIC, Ignition, groov RIO, digital transformation, Inductive Automation, Technology Partners

See what Opto users were talking about as we look back at last year's Top 5 posts on the OptoForums.

There is no question that the Opto 22 forums are very much alive and kicking. The past 9 months of COVID lockdown did not even make the slightest dent in the activity level.

Topics: Firmware, Node-RED, groov View, groov EPIC, groov RIO, OptoForum

New OptoU online training series covers PID in PAC Control

The instructors/engineers at OptoU are kicking off the new year with some exciting new PAC Control training lessons. Based on feedback and popular demand, we've released a new series in Opto 22's online training that covers everything related to PID control.

Topics: Training, PAC Control, PID loop control, OptoU

ACS helps customers gain a competitive advantage in their market through efficient and creative use of factory automation technology.

Topics: Process control, Discrete control, IIoT, groov EPIC, industrial automation, system integrator, OptoPartner video

IoT Certified OptoPartner shows us how to quickly retrofit a CNC mill with groov RIO

In a time when automation is driven by increasing connectivity, there is still plenty of everyday equipment that is simply not designed to talk to much of anything. 

This equipment might be full of juicy data—how well it’s working, how much energy it’s using, how often it’s put to work—and leveraging that data to build an OEE or predictive maintenance program is often an untapped source of potential savings.

But what are your options for integrating this kind of equipment? Well, until recently they probably didn’t look very good.

Topics: Node-RED, OptoPartner, groov RIO, CNC, OEE

Martin Control Systems Inc. helps customers with common challenges

In our latest OptoPartner video, Nate Kay, Sr. Project Engineer with Martin CSI says the most common challenges faced by customers are tight schedules, plant shutdowns, budgets and working on legacy equipment. While Martin CSI offers standard control engineering services, they also have specialty areas including safety, machine vision and data collection.

Topics: Data acquisition, MQTT, Ignition Edge, Ignition, system integrator, digital transformation, OptoPartner video

For 40 years, top manufacturers in Food & Bev, CPG and Pharma have called upon Grantek to take on their most complex business and manufacturing challenges. Grantek’s team of professionals located in 17 offices across the globe deliver solutions to complex problems in Smart Manufacturing, Industrial Networking, Automation and Industrial Safety.

Topics: Remote monitoring, Integrators, IIoT, compliance, groov RIO, digital transformation, OptoPartner video

Opto 22 talks connected manufacturing in the food industry.

Way back when face-to-face interviews were a thing, I had the opportunity to sit down with Pons Tugonon to talk about the development of connected food manufacturing. Pons leads OptoTech (now P&E Automation), a long-time international system integrator and distributor for Opto 22, and his work with the Mama Sita’s brand (Marigold Manufacturing Corporation) of authentic Filipino food products shows off the potential for industrial edge computing in manufacturing.

Topics: Case studies, Videos, Food & beverage, groov EPIC

Opto 22 system integrators tell their stories in new videos

Many of us are aware of the important role automation system integrators play in the industrial sector. Companies and organizations of all types often look to an outside firm to help design, install or commission their automation projects. Some system integrators are generalists while others have domain knowledge of specific verticals, but ultimately they help combine different devices and machines into an integrated, efficient system. 

Topics: groov EPIC, industrial automation, Ignition, OptoPartner, groov RIO, Inductive Automation, OptoPartner video

Building industrial MQTT networks at scale with edge computing.

We promised that 2020 would be a big year for MQTT at Opto 22, and with the launch of groov RIO, we've renewed our commitment to this transformative communication standard. But, in spite of its popularity—already used in everything from mobile chat to smart energy management—and the advantages it provides for IIoT, there are significant challenges to bringing MQTT into an industrial environment. In this new white paper, we show you how (and why) to make it happen.

Topics: MQTT, Sparkplug, white paper, cybersecurity