Home / MQTT / Why MQTT with Sparkplug B Is the Backbone of Modern IIoT

Why MQTT with Sparkplug B Is the Backbone of Modern IIoT

Table of Contents

MQTT + Sparkplug B: The Future of Industrial Data Communication

Industrial sites are generating more data than ever—but getting that data where it needs to go, fast and securely, is still a massive challenge for many. If your system is still relying on old-school polling protocols, it’s time to consider a smarter, lighter, and more scalable approach. That’s where MQTT and Sparkplug B, especially when paired with Opto 22 hardware, come in.

At Binford Tech, we’ve seen firsthand how this combination transforms the way industrial sites operate.

 

So, What Exactly Is MQTT?

In simple terms, MQTT is a super lightweight messaging protocol that was designed for tough environments with unreliable networks. Think of it like a lean, efficient postman who only delivers messages when something actually changes—instead of knocking on your door every second asking, “Anything new yet?”

This “event-driven” approach means:

  • Less network traffic

  • Faster updates

  • Better performance in remote or bandwidth-limited locations

And because it only uses one port, it’s firewall-friendly and easy to set up.

 

What Makes Sparkplug B So Important?

While MQTT is great at delivering messages, it doesn’t really care what it’s delivering. That’s where Sparkplug B steps in. It adds structure, context, and state awareness to the data.

With Sparkplug B:

  • Devices can announce when they’re online or offline

  • Data is organised in a clean, standardised way

  • Different systems can understand each other with no custom mapping

  • You get true plug-and-play industrial data

In short, Sparkplug B makes MQTT smart enough for the factory floor.

 

Where Does Opto 22 Fit In?

Opto 22 has built MQTT and Sparkplug B support directly into their groov EPIC and groov RIO devices. That means:

  • You can send data straight from the edge to your SCADA, MES, or cloud system—no gateway required

  • Communications are encrypted and secure by default

  • Devices are ready for enterprise-level integration right out of the box

No extra software. No complicated setup. Just clean, structured data flowing where you need it.

 

Real Example: Saving Time and Headaches

We recently helped a mid-sized manufacturer connect several production lines to a central dashboard. Their existing system was using Modbus polling—slow, inefficient, and hard to scale.

We swapped in groov EPIC units with MQTT and Sparkplug B. The result?

  • Data streamed to the cloud in real time

  • No more polling or delays

  • Setup time cut from weeks to just one day

  • Instant visibility into machine performance

It was like turning on a light—suddenly everything was faster, simpler, and more connected.

 

Why Binford Tech?

We don’t just sell hardware—we help businesses build future-ready systems that make sense for real people on the ground. As integration specialists, as well as the official Australian Opto 22 distributor, we’re here to guide you through:

  • Upgrading legacy systems

  • Designing secure and scalable IIoT networks

  • Making sense of your data from sensor to cloud

 

Got a Problem You’re Trying to Solve?

Whether you’re dealing with slow data, clunky integrations, or just not sure how to get started with IIoT—we’re here to help.

At Binford Tech, we’re not about throwing buzzwords at you. We’re about finding smart, practical solutions that actually work for your team on the ground. If something’s not flowing the way it should, let’s figure it out together.

Chat to us about Opto 22

Scroll to Top