Opto 22 Adds Event Notifications and Lower-cost Options to groov

Event-based notifications in new groov 3.0 is one of many new features that also include new screen development tools, simulated tag database, and entry level pricing.

Temecula, CA -- April 6, 2015 -- Industrial automation manufacturer Opto 22 has announced groov 3.0, a significant update that adds event-based email notifications to groov, a mobile operator interface system that connects machines, equipment, and control systems with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Now, industrial automation end-users, system integrators, machine OEMs, or any authorized person can receive immediate email messages when a connected machine or system needs attention.

Event Notifications
A major new feature of groov 3.0 is event-based email notifications that can alert selected personnel based on multiple parameters. Email messages can be customized and sent to groups or individuals, and messages can include equipment data, time/date stamps, other key information, and even links back to the groov operator interface for one-click access to real-time, visual data for further investigation. For example, if a machine overheats, stops working, or otherwise meets or exceeds one or more predefined criteria that trigger a notification, a maintenance technician can be notified via email or text message, and can click right to the groov screen with more data. With email available at almost any time or location thanks to mobile devices like smartphones, email notifications get critical data into the right hands right away.

Additional new features in groov 3.0 include an improved groov Build interface development environment, where it’s easier to position, align, and group on-screen objects. Also new is a Data Simulator feature that provides simulated dynamic values for onscreen gadgets; for instance, a Graph gadget can use a simulator tag that provides changing values for a sine wave, or a gauge can use a simulator tag with an integer moving between high and low values. This feature can help test onscreen gadgets or simulate tags and variables during screen development. For groov Free Trial users, evaluating groov no longer requires a connection to live machines or systems.

Cost-effective Options
groov 3.0 also introduces a new, cost-effective way to select the right groov platform for an application. Platform choice depends on how many Modbus/TCP-ready devices or SNAP PAC controllers will be connected to groov, and if an OPC UA server will be used. New groov platforms are:

•    groov Solo—connects to one Modbus/TCP device or one SNAP PAC controller. groov Solo is ideal for machine builders and OEMs—who need only one controller or system connection —and offers a new lower price for entry-level customers.
•    groov Plus—connects to multiple Modbus/TCP devices and SNAP PAC controllers and is ideal for multi-machine or system applications, or for monitoring and controlling widely dispersed assets.
•    groov Enterprise—connects to machines, PLCs, and other equipment and systems that support OPC UA, in addition to multiple Modbus/TCP devices and SNAP PAC controllers.

Applications change, and if more Modbus/TCP devices or SNAP PAC controllers are connected to groov, or if an OPC UA server is added to the application, it’s easy to quickly upgrade from one groov platform to the next.

What is groov?
groov is a zero-programming, web-based way to build, deploy, and view effective, scalable operator interfaces to monitor and control systems and equipment using mobile devices and other computer-based systems. These operator interfaces can be viewed on almost any mobile device or computer regardless of its manufacturer, operating system, or screen size, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and even smart high-definition televisions.

For mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, and Android-based smartphones and tablets, a groov View app for iOS and Android is available free of charge on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. The groov View app provides a native mobile experience for operator interfaces built with groov. These interfaces can also be viewed in the mobile device’s built-in web browser.

groov can augment existing human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems by making important information available to authorized users at any time and in any location. groov is available as either the standalone groov Box hardware appliance or the PC-based groov Server for Windows software.

In addition to Modbus/TCP networking, groov supports OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) to communicate with a variety of machines and systems on the plant floor, including PLCs, DCSs, PACs, databases, and OPC-DA servers. groov also communicates directly with Opto 22 SNAP PAC System controllers.

Trial Version and Online Demo
A fully functional version of groov Server for Windows is available to download and try so you can see your own system’s data on a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device. The groov Free Trial operates for two hours without a license and can be restarted as needed. You can also see groov in action immediately and try it yourself with a live online demo available at groov.com/see-groov-now.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]Pricing and Availability - groov 3.0 is available April 22, 2015.
Customers who already have groov version 2.0 or later and a groov maintenance contract can upgrade to groov 3.0 free of charge. For more information, visit groov.com.

About Opto 22
Opto 22 develops and manufactures hardware and software for applications involving industrial automation and control, energy management, remote monitoring, and data acquisition. Designed and made in the U.S.A., Opto 22 products have an established reputation worldwide for ease-of-use, innovation, quality, and reliability. Opto 22 products, including the groov mobile operator interface, use standard, commercially available networking and computer technologies, and are used by automation end-users, OEMs, and information technology and operations personnel in over 10,000 installations worldwide. The company was founded in 1974 and is privately held in Temecula, California, U.S.A. Opto 22 products are available through a global network of distributors and system integrators. For more information, visit www.opto22.com.

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