In a previous post, we discussed server-side JavaScript and its use case in IIoT applications. Before server-side JavaScript, applications were written in one language for server-side software and a completely different language for client-side software.

This split complicated application development, because it required having two sets of software developer talents—or even two separate software developers or teams—one for client-side and one for server-side application development.

Server-side JavaScript and the node.js runtime environment have solved this problem.

Topics: Internet of Things, IoT, PACs, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things

We've just released groov Admin 1.570.46, with a new feature some of you have been asking for: the ability to use data from serial devices with your GROOV AR1 Box.

Using a USB-to-serial converter and Node-RED software (included in the GROOV AR1), you can connect RS‑232, RS‑485, or RS‑422 serial devices (2‑wire or 4‑wire) to the groov Box.

Topics: groov, Updates, optonews, Node-RED, OptoNews 2017-04-12

More new graphics for you in the groov SVG Library...

If you use pipes in your groov operator interface, you'll appreciate these new images: pipes, elbows, junctions, simple tanks, pumps, valves, meters, and more.

The images are designed so their parts will line up even when scaled.

Topics: Process control, groov, optonews, mobile, OptoNews 2017-04-12

When you're a smaller water/wastewater treatment district, it can be difficult to fund the SCADA systems you need.

All water/wastewater operations have to be strictly monitored and their data stored for reference, no matter the size of the district. 

Topics: Internet of Things, Water & wastewater, IoT, optonews, Integrators, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Data acquisition, OptoNews 2017-04-12

Opto 22 SNAP PAC controllers and brains both have two Ethernet network interfaces—pretty handy. But do you use them the same way? That's the question we'll answer in this tech tip.

Most devices used on an Ethernet network have one network interface with an RJ-45 connector. But SNAP PAC controllers and EB brains each have two interfaces—two RJ-45 connectors.

However, the two interfaces on controllers and brains are designed for different uses.

Topics: Tips, optonews, PACs, Networking, OptoNews 2017-04-12

As the IIoT continues its widespread adoption, a lot of new IT technologies are quickly being adopted by the industrial automation and process control industries. More and more, industrial assets are becoming Internet enabled and being connected to other digital systems.

Monitoring OEE and KPIs in real time from a mobile device is no longer a pie-in-the-sky application. It’s happening right now, through the convergence of OT and IT.

One of the technologies that’s enabling the IIoT is secure digital communication. And to establish that secure communication, you need to have an authority you can trust that can validate the indentity of devices on a network and on the Internet. You have to trust that the encrypted connection you're using is actually connected to the device you want to talk to, and not to some rogue node trying to breach your network and steal your information.

That’s where Certificate Authorities come into play in the IIoT.

Topics: Process control, Internet of Things, IoT, PACs, Security, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things

In a previous post we introduced JavaScript and discussed its widespread adoption as a result of its interoperability between web applications, particularly browsers.

In this post we’re going to tackle some ideas related to why JavaScript is poised to literally take over the Industrial Internet of Things as the software language of choice for IIoT developers.

We’ll also discuss why, if you’re an industrial automation engineer starting to think about the IIoT, it might be a good idea to brush up on your JavaScript skills.

Topics: Internet of Things, IoT, PACs, RESTful server, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is coming at us fast. Big players like Dell, IBM, and Amazon are entering industrial markets and creating disruption among the typical market vendors. And with these new players comes a variety of technologies that are being applied in new and interesting ways to build the IIoT.

Over the next several blog posts, we’ll be discussing the top 5 software technologies and languages that systems integrators and automation engineers should begin learning about to be ready to build Industrial Internet of Things applications. Sign up for the blog to get access to followup blog posts as they’re released.

Topics: IoT, API, REST API, IIoT

In one of our previous blog posts we talked about AC motors, the workhorse of modern industrial automation. We learned how they use magnets, electromagnets, and magnetic fields to generate huge amounts of torque to run our industrial processes.

To understand how modern motor control works, let’s take a closer look at how a 3-phase AC induction motor works.

Topics: Process control, Discrete control, Electronics, PACs

Hannover Messe, the world's leading industrial conference with over 6500 international exhibitors, will be held 24-28 April 2017 in Hannover, Germany. 

Join us there for a look at the present and the future of automation:

• Industry trends
• New technologies

Topics: Energy management, Process control, Remote monitoring, optonews, Events & conferences, Data acquisition, OptoNews 2017-03-29