The most popular discussions, topics, and tips of the year from the factory-supported OptoForums.

Is it just me, or are the years flying by faster than ever?

And as if time is not going by fast enough, I’d like to say how much I'm looking forward to writing this blog at this time next year. Why? Let's just say I can't wait to see what our customers put in the groov EPIC container over the coming year!!

But right now, let's recap the EPIC year of 2024 by looking back at the top 5 most discussed and searched topics in the OptoForums.

Check out the popular topics and most-watched videos of the year on OptoVideo—Opto 22's YouTube channel.

Do you find yourself on YouTube when looking for tips or advice on projects? Whether it be for personal hobbies or your job, chances are you've gone down a YouTube video rabbit hole—and gotten some great advice.

For the past several years, programmers, engineers, technicians, and other industrial automation professionals have gotten help from the video content created by Opto 22 developers and engineers. Are you one of the almost 30,000 OptoVideo subscribers? They, along with other YouTube users, have contributed to the over 3 million video views the Opto channel has received so far.

So what videos have proved to be most valuable this year? Let's take a look at Opto 22's Top 10 Videos of 2024.

Tune in to this month's IntegrateLive! virtual workshop to see how groov RIO can help you get actionable insights from legacy equipment in record time.

Legacy equipment has earned its place in your operations—built to last, reliable as ever, and still getting the job done. But for all its dependability, these systems often have one glaring flaw: they’re data blind.

You can’t manage what you can’t measure, and with legacy systems, it’s like trying to navigate with a compass in a GPS world. They generate valuable data, but getting it out and putting it to use? That’s another story. Adding sensors, upgrading infrastructure, or even attempting to connect these systems to modern data platforms often comes with prohibitive costs, long timelines, and significant operational disruption.

Join Benson Hougland from Opto 22 and Graeme Welton from Flow Software in the latest IntegrateLive! Virtual Workshop (Dec. 18 at 11 am EST) as they tackle adding data acquisition, machine monitoring, history, and trending capabilities to unconnected legacy equipment for immediate ROI.

Make plans to attend ProveIt!—a first-of-its-kind conference that aims to prove to manufacturers the viability of IIoT solutions.

ProveIt! is where industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts converge to explore the latest advancements in digital transformation and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies through education and application.
 
How is this event different? Vendors have to show more than flashy sales & marketing... they have to PROVE IT! 

Opto 22 is a proud sponsor, exhibitor, and participant in the first ProveIt! event, hosted by 4.0 Solutions. This conference is tailored for manufacturers, Can you join us for this ground-breaking event in Dallas, February 18-20, 2025?

2025 offers you a chance for hands-on edge controller instruction & tips for choosing the best programming options for your control applications.

In-person training sessions at Opto 22 headquarters help you expand your skill set and find easier ways to meet your application challenges. The 2025 groov EPIC Premium Factory Training class schedule has been announced, so don't miss your chance to get first pick of the class dates you'd like to attend.

Learn system components and configuration, networking capabilities, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and communication methods that you can apply to your own industrial automation application. You might just build a complete solution before you leave! And now is the time to reserve your spot.

See what this week's groov EPIC training experience was like, then register to join us for the next class! We've also included a short video to give you a preview of what you can expect.

Complete the groov EPIC online courses, get your certificate, and post it to LinkedIn.

As the end of 2024 is in sight, is there anything you'd like to check off your to do list? Perhaps complete more educational training for PLCs or add another certification to your professional profile or resume?

Knowledge is power, and learning more about how to use groov EPIC edge controllers for your applications is FREE at training.opto22.com. Once you’ve completed all of the courses, you can get your groov EPIC Online Training Certificate of Completion. If you'd like, you can easily post your certificate to your LinkedIn profile.

Work at your own pace as you go through the online exercises and quizzes. Most of the lessons are based on the hands-on material in the groov EPIC training course taught at Opto 22 headquarters. 

Follow these simple steps to earn your certificate.

Flexware Innovation hosts a discussion with Ignition Community members as they reflect on this year's Ignition Community Conference.

Did you attend ICC 2024 in person? Or were you able to livestream the 3 days of action-packed learning about Ignition software? The Opto 22 team shared some highlights from this year's event and a behind-the-scenes perspective on how the famous ICC Build-a-Thon panels were designed.

Now you have another opportunity to review the most significant Ignition product announcements and hear how Ignition could be the missing piece needed in your industrial applications.

Tune in to the upcoming webinar hosted by Flexware Innovation: Top 10 Takeaways from ICC 2024.

New video provides some practical solutions to consider in the age of TCP/IP.

Looking to digitally transform your operations, but your existing machines don't support newer protocols like MQTT or OPC UA?

Don't worry, you're not alone. Legacy industrial control systems are still operating everywhere today. But don't settle or wait for them to fail. 

It's time to learn more about modern edge devices that can bridge the gap between old and new.

This new 1-minute video is a great conversation starter on the topic.

OptoPartner eBiZolution teams up with local authorities in the Philippines to enhance traffic monitoring systems with groov RIO.

See how Costa Farms optimized large-scale operations with live production data from groov RIO edge I/O.

Accelerated growth in any industry can result in gaps in production tracking as a business experiences growing pains. Is your machinery interacting with other systems to produce meaningful data? 

Costa Farms had to face this obstacle as it shifted its focus toward optimizing operational efficiency to keep up with large-scale production needs.

See how groov RIO edge I/O came to the rescue in this new case study.