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.

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.

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.

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.

Attend an upcoming webinar hosted by Inductive Automation for some inspiration on how you can use Ignition in your projects to solve application challenges.

What takes a controls project from run-of-the-mill to showcase-worthy?  Travis Cox, Inductive Automation's Chief Technology Evangelist, is ready to show you during an upcoming webinar you don't want to miss.

Make plans to attend: The Making of World-Class Control Systems. 

Travis will be joined by current Ignition customers whose successful applications landed them a coveted spot in this year's ICC Discover Gallery. See what else this webinar has is in store...

Read how MAC Automation, an IoT Certified OptoPartner, and EnerCorp use Ignition SCADA with groov EPICs and RIOs to automate sand removal and management in oil and gas.

Handling sand in oil and gas flowback systems is both critical and challenging. Left unchecked, sand can damage equipment, leading to leaks and costly system shutdowns. Manual handling of flowback systems exposes workers to hazardous materials, heavy equipment, and high-pressure environments. 

Together, MAC Automation and EnerCorp have automated the dangerous and labor-intensive process.

Join OptoPartner Weisz Instrumentos for one of the most widely recognized events in the hydrocarbons industry.

The Expo Oil & Gas Patagonia is one of the most important events in the Argentine hydrocarbons industry, bringing together key players from across the sector. With over 150 exhibitors, the expo will showcase the latest developments in production areas. Attendees will discover new products, technologies, and ventures related to the industry.

Join Opto 22's IoT Executive, Rene Gamero, and Weisz engineering staff for live demos of groov EPIC and groov RIO products—and see the important role they are playing in oil and gas applications.

The groov System Configurator tool debuts updated features to help you map out your automation strategy.

Calling all automation and controls engineers, technicians, system integrators—and even our own Opto engineers! Would you like to research and design systems that use both groov EPIC controllers and groov RIO edge I/O modules?

Now you can configure groov EPICs (including processors, licenses, power supplies, I/O modules, and chassis), groov RIOs (all three types), and groov software in a complete system. The interactive groov System Configurator tool is all you need. It provides technical guidance so you can start experimenting with your system designs online. 

With beta testing complete and customer feedback implemented, it's time to try out all the new features this recently updated website tool offers.

See how everything fits together in a networked architecture, making sure your system is cohesive and ready to run smoothly.