Event based notifications and other options on interface system.

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.

• 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.