OptoBlog

Sparking data discussions at the edge with MQTT, Sparkplug B, and OPC UA

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 17, 2026 8:28:45 AM

Listen to a recent episode of Inductive Automation's Ignited podcast to see how the open-source MQTT protocol has completely changed industrial data architectures.

Are you looking to build systems that move data—reliably and securely—across an enterprise? Have proprietary approaches slowed you down or locked you in?

Episode 4 of Inductive Automation's new Ignited podcast is a must listen! The co-inventor of MQTT, Arlen Nipper, and Opto 22 VP Benson Hougland are the featured guests on this podcast, reviewing industrial automation technology and taking you into the future.

Inductive Automation's Travis Cox and Thomas Burke host this discussion about why MQTT and Sparkplug B are now the key to scalable industrial data, and why edge computing changes everything.

Listen in on these insightful conversations:

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Topics: MQTT, Ignition Edge, Sparkplug, Ignition, podcast, OPC UA

Bringing a legacy SCADA system to the edge

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 3, 2026 6:41:24 AM

Watch the next episode in the Who's groovin video series and see how to build secure, resilient, and scalable SCADA systems.

Would you trust a SCADA system that takes five minutes just to confirm that a pump turned on? At the Genesee County Drain Commissioner’s Division of Water and Waste Services in Michigan, they didn’t have much choice.

In this edition of the Who’s groovin video series, see how Genesee County replaced slow radio polling with edge-based MQTT Sparkplug communications—giving their operators a real-time view of what’s happening at all of their 180 sites.

Watch the video: 

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Topics: Case studies, Videos, Water & wastewater, MQTT, groov EPIC, SCADA, Who's groovin

Ending communication failures across 180 remote sites

Posted by Janice Colmer on May 20, 2026 9:46:06 AM

New case study explains how Genesee County Drain Commissioner - Water & Waste Services solved their slow radio polling communication problem over 600 square miles.

Communication breakdowns in industrial systems aren’t just frustrating—they’re costly, disruptive, and often difficult to diagnose. 

The Genesee County Drain Commissioner Division of Water & Waste Service (GCDC-WWS) in Michigan struggled with the communication slowdowns in their legacy radio polling system. Poor alarming meant operators could not reliably fine-tune the pumping stations. With 180 remote sites across 600 square miles, these delays became unacceptable.

This new case study shows you how they solved the problem.

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Topics: Case studies, Water & wastewater, MQTT, groov EPIC, Sparkplug, MQTT implementation, edge computing, groov RIO

Automating pumps at the edge

Posted by Janice Colmer on Apr 8, 2026 7:23:13 AM

Learn from OptoPartner MAC Automation as they share how to achieve edge-based pump control using MQTT, cloud SCADA, and groov EPIC.

If you’re looking for insight into how IIoT and smart automation strategies can transform hard-to-reach operations, this new case study from OptoPartner MAC Automation offers a clear, real-world example of what’s possible—and why it matters. 

See what makes their application so compelling.  

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Topics: Case studies, MQTT, groov EPIC, OptoPartner, SCADA

Improving Your PAC Project System’s Performance

Posted by Norma Rodriguez on Feb 17, 2026 1:51:06 PM

Tips when using PAC Project with groov View, MQTT, Node-RED, RESTful API, and more

Are you wondering what else you can do to improve your PAC Project system’s performance? Did you optimize your SNAP PAC system and apply the same techniques to your groov EPIC system? There may be some other options you might not think of, like these:

-Moving groov View or MQTT to an alternate host task
-Enabling only essential tags as "Public" for Ignition or MQTT
-Scanning only PAC Control variables and tables if you’re using Node-RED

Whether you’re running an edge device like groov EPIC or a classic SNAP PAC system, performance optimization is a balance among logic, I/O communication, and HMI responsiveness. You might find some time savers in the Optimizing PAC Project System Performance technical note.

Here are a few highlights from the tech note.

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Topics: PAC Project, Node-RED, MQTT, groov EPIC, snap pac, technical tips

Watch on-demand: Kickstarting your Unified Namespace

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 20, 2025 8:05:40 AM

This webinar recording is your valuable go-to resource for accessing stranded OT data and building a UNS that's AI and analytics ready.

Did you attend this month's Unified Namespace (UNS) webinar hosted by Cirrus Link Solutions and Opto 22?

Now you can watch the webinar recording on demand.

See how to:

  • Connect, collect, model, store and share OT data
  • Build a unified namespace
  • Go from field to cloud using tools you already know
Read more about everything you’ll learn, packed in to one hour.
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Topics: Webinars, MQTT, groov EPIC, Ignition, Cirrus Link Solutions, UNS, Unified Namespace

Kickstarting your UNS: Real devices. Real data. Real easy.

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 30, 2025 9:00:24 AM

New webinar to show you how easy it is to unlock OT data and build a Unified Namespace (UNS).

Want to prep for AI, analytics, or just stop struggling with stranded OT data? Not sure where to start?

Then you're invited to join Cirrus Link Solutions and Opto 22 in a live webinar. You'll learn how to:

  • Structure your industrial data
  • Build a unified namespace
  • Go from field to cloud using tools you already have

Read on for more event details and to save your seat for the August 13th webinar. 

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Topics: Webinars, MQTT, groov EPIC, Ignition, Cirrus Link Solutions, UNS, Unified Namespace

How can you integrate industrial assets into a UNS?

Posted by Benson Hougland on Apr 2, 2025 11:05:55 AM

Watch our live demo–recorded from the ProveIt! Conference–to see how brownfield and greenfield assets integrate into a Unified Namespace (UNS) to give you a competitive edge.

We attended the first annual ProveIt! Conference on February 18-20th in Dallas, Texas. This brand new conference was unique—because instead of just setting up a booth and talking about our solutions, we were required to prove it live on stage! 

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Topics: Events & conferences, MQTT, groov EPIC, Ignition, digital transformation, IIoT System Architecture, Unified Namespace

Your Opto 22 toolbox just got bigger with Corso Systems deep dives

Posted by Dan White on Feb 5, 2025 7:28:04 AM

OptoPartner Corso Systems offers detailed resources and tips in their blog to help you get the most out of your groov EPIC and groov RIO edge devices.

If you’re using Opto 22 gear in your automation projects (or even just considering it), you already know the power of groov EPIC, groov RIO, and industrial automation done right. 

But have you checked out the goldmine of content that Corso Systems has put together?

Corso Systems—a problem-solving, people-focused industrial automation firm that helps manufacturers work smarter—has been diving deep into Opto 22 solutions, sharing real-world insights, how-to guides, and integration strategies.

Their blog is packed with useful content that can help you get more out of your Opto 22 groov systems. Start exploring...

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Topics: Node-RED, MQTT, groov EPIC, Ignition, OptoPartner, groov RIO, Corso Systems

Are you battling protocol compatibility on the plant floor?

Posted by Janice Colmer on Nov 6, 2024 9:12:18 AM

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.

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Topics: Videos, MQTT, groov EPIC, edge computing, groov RIO, OPC UA

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