OptoBlog

Learn the language of modern manufacturing

Posted by Janice Colmer on Dec 4, 2024 9:34:54 AM

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?

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Topics: Events & conferences, IIoT, industrial automation, digital transformation, IIoT System Architecture, manufacturing

Modern Edge Devices Bring Harmony to Disjointed Protocols

Posted by Dan White on Aug 19, 2024 12:44:04 PM

Without disturbing existing systems, edge devices make it easy to convert data from a custom fieldbus into open protocols for digital transformation.

If TCP/IP won the “protocol wars” in the ‘90s, then WHY are you still fighting protocol battles on the plant floor today? Because industrial networks were around long before the internet. As far back as the 1960s, machines communicated via serial networks like RS-232, RS-485, and CAN Bus—with specialized proprietary fieldbus protocols like Modbus, Profibus, and DeviceNet.

Even with TCP/IP on Ethernet, specialized protocols remained. Modbus now has a TCP/IP version, Profibus gave way to ProfiNET, DeviceNet to EtherNet/IP, and even some new ones joined the protocol party.

After the industry demanded interoperability, OPC was born—now OPC UA—a big step toward a unified architecture on OT networks. Meanwhile on the IT side, using HTTP and HTTPS was common. It’s how web browsers—and most of the internet—work today.

MQTT Sparkplug came later. A recently named International Standard, it’s built on efficient, secure, and scalable publish/subscribe communications—a great fit for digital transformation projects and the IIoT.

I want to digitally transform, but my existing machines don’t support all these protocols.
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Topics: MQTT, edge computing, digital transformation, OPC UA

Meet your new OptoDistributor in Australia

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 12, 2024 12:20:15 PM

Binford Tech delivers state-of-the-art engineering innovations for your digital transformation projects.

Good news for those of you in Australia: Binford Tech is now your official Opto 22 distributor! Whether you need a replacement part, information and training on the groov EPIC and groov RIO product lines, or help migrating legacy industrial systems to Industry 4.0 standards, Binford Tech is ready to help you.

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Topics: IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, groov EPIC, industrial automation, groov RIO, digital transformation, OptoChannel

Webinar Recording: Assembling the Puzzle Pieces of Digital Transformation

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 8, 2024 1:45:20 PM

Learn how all the pieces of digital transformation come together to add another level of data connectivity and security to your projects.

Did you attend last month's Digital Transformation webinar? The discussion revolved around data, connectivity, and cybersecurity, so you can improve your industrial processes. In case you missed it or would like to watch it again, here's your chance!
 
Webinar host Inductive Automation released the recording of the complete presentation so you can watch on demand. Opto 22 joins fellow Inductive Automation Solution Partners for a step-by-step demonstration of how to build a scalable system for SCADA, MES, IIoT, and Digital Transformation.
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Topics: Webinars, groov EPIC, Ignition, groov RIO, digital transformation, Inductive Automation

Leveraging technology at the DX Forum

Posted by Janice Colmer on Apr 17, 2024 8:30:00 AM

Make plans to attend the first annual Digital Transformation Forum at the Boston Convention Center, May 1-2.

Experience two days dedicated to helping manufacturers take on digital transformation challenges. Join Opto 22's Director of Technical Marketing, Dan White, at the upcoming DX Forum.

On May 1st at 1:45 p.m., see how ALTA Refrigeration created more efficient, productive, and secure systems by leveraging digital technology. Dan will be joined by ALTA's Peter Santoro and Todd Hedenstrom for a presentation of their case study.

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Topics: Case studies, Events & conferences, groov EPIC, digital transformation

The move to groov for an IIoT approach in water management

Posted by Janice Colmer on Apr 8, 2024 12:40:30 PM

A new case study explains how Paloma Irrigation and Drainage District bridged the gap between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) for seamless data flow and efficient management.

The Paloma Irrigation and Drainage District (PIDD) has been operating for over 100 years in Gila Bend, Arizona. It provides essential irrigation and drainage services to 30,000 agriculturally diverse acres and nearly 100 homes. More than just irrigation, the PIDD safeguards the environment and upholds the community's water rights.

The PIDD faced several pressing challenges, including high maintenance costs, limited monitoring and control, and inefficient manual operations. These challenges led them to look at industrial internet of things (IIoT) possibilities, which highlighted the need for a more modern, cost-effective, and data-driven approach to water management.

In this case study, read how PIDD bridged the gap between their operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) for seamless data flow and efficient management, propelling them into their SCADA expansion.

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Topics: Case studies, Water & wastewater, IIoT, Raspberry Pi, MQTT, groov EPIC, groov RIO, digital transformation

More chances to see live groov demos

Posted by Janice Colmer on Mar 20, 2024 9:08:30 AM

See what shows and conferences have been added to Opto 22's 2024 event schedule.

Have you visited the Events page on the Opto 22 website lately? A recent post shared what trade shows have been scheduled for the first quarter of the year, but now there are more opportunities to see groov products in action—hopefully coming to a city near you.

Get details on upcoming events in Boston, Chicago, and Paris, France.

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Topics: Events & conferences, groov EPIC, groov RIO, digital transformation

Scaling Success - Deploying IloT for Maximized ROI

Posted by Janice Colmer on Feb 14, 2024 9:42:20 AM

This previously-recorded IIoT World webinar provides tips on how the IIoT can help your business.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is transforming industries worldwide, but many businesses hesitate to take the plunge. You're not alone if you're wondering how IIoT can help your business achieve its goals.

In a recent webinar hosted by IIoT World, a panel of industry experts discussed the challenges and benefits of IIoT investment and how to deploy IIoT solutions for maximized return on investment (ROI).

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Topics: Webinars, IIoT, digital transformation

Accelerating the Industry: 28th Annual ARC Industry Forum

Posted by Dan White on Feb 12, 2024 3:18:25 PM

Opto 22's Director of Technical Marketing, Dan White, shares his experience from this year's annual ARC event.

In its 28th year, the ARC’s Industry Forum did not disappoint. I just returned from this cutting-edge event where tech enthusiasts and industry professionals gathered to explore the latest in smart manufacturing, digital transformation, and industrial automation, and I’m eager to share the highlights and heartbeats of this remarkable gathering. 

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Topics: Events & conferences, groov EPIC, ARC Forum, industrial automation, digital transformation, smart manufacturing

Understanding Your Industrial Electricity Bill

Posted by Arun Sinha on Dec 6, 2023 7:00:00 AM

The first step toward reducing your energy spend is to analyze your utility bill.

In my previous blog post, “Why Consider Energy Monitoring” I proposed that acquiring data was essential to any project targeted at reducing an organization's energy spend. I also touched on how the electric utility bill for industrial users can be complex.

If you are considering monitoring your energy and power, a good first step would be to get a hold of and understand that bill. I thought I would analyze and share my thoughts on Opto 22’s bill, as it is probably very similar to the one for your industrial or commercial facility.

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Topics: Energy management, IIoT, Data acquisition, digital transformation, power monitoring, groov rio emu, energy monitoring

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