Tune into this recent Manufacturing Hub podcast where Opto 22's Benson Hougland discusses how control systems have changed over time and what the future looks like.

In today's world of industrial automation, podcasts, webinars, online forums and communities are playing a vital role in educating engineers and keeping them informed of the latest technologies. The Manufacturing Hub podcast is growing in popularity and has become a great resource for all levels of automation professionals.

Topics: IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, industrial automation, podcast

Listen and watch episode 18 of The Manufacturing Hub Podcast for more insight on what challenges OT engineers are facing today.

Opto 22's leader in product strategy, Benson Hougland, is back in the OptoDemo Studio to discuss new Industry 4.0 tools and what it means for engineers in the industrial automation space and beyond.

As a guest on The Manufacturing Hub Podcast, Benson is part of an hour-long conversation with hosts Vlad Romanov and Dave Griffith. (You might remember Vlad as being an OptoPartner, and we've mentioned his SolisPLC training platform and groov product reviews in previous OptoBlog posts.) We were thrilled to be working together again and hope you enjoy the discussion.

Topics: IIoT, Node-RED, Ignition Edge, groov EPIC, industrial automation, podcast, groov RIO

Experienced S.I. harnesses the power of Opto 22’s control system.

One thing is for sure -- RDI Controls knows turbine and governor control systems. That said, if you are looking for an experienced Opto 22 systems integrator that can tackle most any application, have a look at our latest OptoPartner video. 

Topics: PLCs, PAC Control, PID loop control, groov EPIC, industrial automation, snap pac, OptoPartner, OptoPartner video

Industrial automation hub brings the real-world into the classroom for students

Though I have the highest regard for the university where I received my engineering degree, I felt the curriculum was more theoretical than practical. I was steeped in differential equations and engineering mathematics and didn’t actually have a design project or build anything until my senior year.

Topics: Case studies, Videos, groov EPIC, industrial automation, Ignition, system integrator, groov RIO, digital transformation, Inductive Automation

Pressure testing validation of well control and BOP

In this OptoPartner video see Jeff Hilpert, President of Engenuity Inc., talk about the benefits of controls and data in a single solution.

Topics: Oil & gas, Node-RED, MQTT, CODESYS, groov EPIC, industrial automation, MariaDB, system integrator, OptoPartner, edge computing, OptoPartner video

Though JP Plus has been in business for seven years, Juan Peguero’s experience with Opto 22 goes back to 1997.  One of the many things that has always made JP Plus a valued OptoPartner is their rapid response team. Often our customers need on site support or help on short notice and JP Plus never disappoints.  Juan also points out how they have adapted to the new “remote” world and are helping clients that way as well.

Topics: IoT, PAC Control, Node-RED, MQTT, data visualization, industrial automation, OptoPartner, OptoPartner video

groov RIO provides a scalable automation architecture for their customers

Our next OptoPartner video installment is very unique in that it includes a live demo. Microclimates CTO and Co-Founder Loren West explains how more agriculture is “coming indoors”, as it allows growers more control over the food they produce. Automation plays a key role in this expanding business segment. The Microclimates control system is based around a software core that is delivered on Opto 22’s groov RIO, a platform that fits nicely into IIoT applications requiring simple data exchange between software or cloud applications and field I/O.

Topics: Remote monitoring, Building management, IIoT, data visualization, industrial automation, OptoPartner, Edge I/O, OptoPartner video

Automated Control Concepts says every project is crafted to deliver some clear business benefit

In his new book, “The Economics of Data, Analytics and Digital Transformation”, Data Scientist Bill Schmarzo proposes an interesting theory. He writes, “If organizations want to cross the Analytics Chasm phase to become more predictive and prescriptive in their business operations, then they need to embrace an economics mindset, not a technology mindset.” This suggests to me that perhaps more important than the much talked about OT and IT gap, might be a gap that exists between these departments and the financial stakeholders in an organization.

Topics: industrial automation, system integrator, OptoPartner, digital transformation, OptoPartner video

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

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