How Opto 22 and Inductive Automation Are Redefining Industrial Control
In a world where industrial systems are expected to be faster, smarter, and more connected than ever before, two names are leading the charge: Opto 22 and Inductive Automation. Their technologies—groov EPIC and Ignition, respectively—are changing how industries approach control, automation, and data integration.
At Binford Tech, we work closely with both platforms to help Australian industries streamline operations, boost flexibility, and unlock the full potential of IIoT. Here’s how this powerful pairing is reshaping industrial control from the ground up.
The Old Way: Siloed Systems & Complex Integration
Traditionally, industrial control systems have been built around isolated PLCs, standalone HMIs, and middleware-heavy SCADA platforms. Integrating these components often means:
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Multiple vendors and protocols
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Complicated licensing models
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Rigid architectures that don’t scale well
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Slow and expensive development cycles
In today’s fast-moving environment, that model no longer cuts it.
The New Way: Opto 22 + Ignition
Now, imagine a system where your control logic, edge processing, HMI, and secure connectivity are all in one platform—and where your SCADA software is flexible, unlimited, and licence-free per tag or device.
That’s exactly what you get when you combine Opto 22’s groov EPIC with Inductive Automation’s Ignition.
Why groov EPIC?
Opto 22’s groov EPIC (Edge Programmable Industrial Controller) is designed for the modern industrial edge. It combines:
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A powerful real-time controller
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Secure networking tools
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Local HMI via high-resolution touchscreen
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Built-in support for protocols like MQTT, OPC UA, Modbus, and REST
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Flexible programming (CODESYS, PAC Control, Python, Node-RED)
It’s not just a PLC—it’s a full edge platform built to bridge OT and IT in a secure, scalable way.
Why Ignition?
Ignition by Inductive Automation is a full-featured SCADA and HMI platform that runs on any device with Java. It offers:
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Unlimited tags, devices, and clients
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Web-based design tools
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Cross-platform deployment (Linux, Windows, macOS)
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Built-in MQTT Sparkplug support
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Seamless integration with databases, cloud platforms, and MES
It’s flexible, scalable, and licence-friendly—ideal for future-ready industrial systems.
A Perfect Match
When paired together, groov EPIC and Ignition create a seamless control and monitoring solution that runs right at the edge:
✅ No gateway needed – Ignition Edge runs directly on the EPIC controller
✅ No duplicated tags – Share real-time data to the cloud or central SCADA
✅ No vendor lock-in – Use open standards and protocols
✅ No delays – Real-time insight and control from anywhere
Real-World Impact
We recently helped a client in food processing modernise their control system using groov EPIC and Ignition. The result?
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80% reduction in wiring and cabinet space
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Real-time OEE tracking at the edge
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Easy remote access for engineers and management
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Streamlined integration with their ERP and reporting tools
What would’ve taken months with traditional systems was rolled out in weeks.
Why Work with Binford Tech?
As official Opto 22 distributors and IIoT integration experts, we’re uniquely positioned to help you design, deploy, and support smart control systems using groov and Ignition. Whether you’re upgrading a single machine or planning a plant-wide transformation, we’re here to help you get there—efficiently and securely.
Got a Problem You’re Trying to Solve?
If you’re tired of rigid, disconnected systems, it’s time to explore what’s possible with Opto 22 + Ignition.
