Rockwell Automation Helps Customers Unlock the Potential of Their Data with the Launch of OptixEdge

Rhea-AI Summary

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) has launched OptixEdge, an advanced edge gateway solution that transforms industrial data processing. The solution addresses a critical industry challenge, as only 44% of data from smart machines is currently being used effectively according to Rockwell's State of Smart Manufacturing Report. OptixEdge processes data at the machine level in real-time, connecting to control systems through FactoryTalk Optix software. Key features include a Built-in Wizard App for simplified data collection, efficient lightweight application support, secure remote access through FactoryTalk Remote Access, compatibility with third-party systems, and cost-effective cloud data management. The solution enables faster insights, reduced costs, and improved decision-making by processing information at its source rather than sending it to distant cloud servers.

Positive

• Addresses critical industry need with only 44% of data currently being used effectively
• Enables real-time data processing at the machine level, reducing cloud storage costs
• Features Built-in Wizard App for simplified configuration and reduced engineering time
• Offers compatibility with both Rockwell and third-party systems
• Includes secure remote access capabilities for maintenance and troubleshooting

Negative

• No specific pricing or cost savings metrics provided
• Implementation may require existing Rockwell Automation infrastructure for optimal performance

Insights

Technology Industry Analyst

Rockwell's OptixEdge addresses industrial data utilization challenges with edge computing, potentially strengthening their competitive position in automation solutions.

Rockwell Automation's launch of OptixEdge represents a strategic move to address a critical gap in industrial data utilization. The company's own research indicates that only 44% of industrial data is being used effectively, highlighting a significant opportunity. This edge gateway solution processes data at the source rather than sending it to cloud servers, which directly targets pain points around network limitations, security concerns, and storage costs.

The technical architecture of OptixEdge is particularly noteworthy. By integrating with Rockwell's FactoryTalk® Optix™ software ecosystem, this solution offers a cohesive data processing workflow from machine to cloud. The built-in Wizard App should significantly reduce implementation barriers, while the open architecture supports both Rockwell and third-party hardware – a pragmatic approach that acknowledges the heterogeneous reality of factory floors.

From a competitive standpoint, this launch strengthens Rockwell's position in the industrial IoT space where edge computing is increasingly critical. The remote access capabilities address the growing need for distributed maintenance teams, while the emphasis on reducing cloud data transmission aligns with industrial customers' cost-sensitivity. This product appears well-positioned to enhance Rockwell's recurring revenue streams through its software components while complementing their traditional automation hardware business.

Advanced edge gateway solution transforms the way data is processed, enabling time and cost savings

MILWAUKEE, Wis., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the global launch of OptixEdge, an innovative edge gateway solution that revolutionizes data processing for industrial customers.

Today's smart machines are generating more data than ever, but according to Rockwell's latest State of Smart Manufacturing Report, only 44% of data is being used effectively. Many companies face challenges that prevent them from utilizing a vast amount of their data, such as network limitations, security concerns, or storage costs. Traditionally, data is sent to distant cloud servers to be processed, but this can be expensive and inefficient.

OptixEdge can directly address these issues by processing information where it's created – at the machine, in real time. It connects to the user's control system through Rockwell's FactoryTalk® Optix™ software to collect, analyze, and send data to the cloud, enabling users to monitor and analyze machine or system data from multiple locations. This means faster insights, lower costs, and smarter decision-making.

"OptixEdge empowers customers to take control of their data like never before, providing powerful edge computing capabilities with flexibility, security, and ease of use," said Jessica Morell, software product manager at Rockwell Automation. "By processing data at its source, OptixEdge enables customers to unlock valuable insights, improve efficiency, and drive innovation across their operations."

Key capabilities of OptixEdge include:

• Built-in Wizard App: A pre-installed FactoryTalk Optix application simplifies the data collection process and allows for easy configuration using only a web browser, cutting down on engineering time. It also offers the ability for users to build and deploy custom applications, if preferred.
• Designed for efficiency: Allows lightweight applications to run in tandem with included software.
• Secure remote access and troubleshooting: Remote assistance is available through FactoryTalk® Remote Access™, allowing remote engineers and maintenance teams to program, configure and troubleshoot systems over a secure VPN connection.
• Open and flexible: OptixEdge can be utilized in conjunction with a plant or machine's existing Rockwell hardware or third-party graphic terminals and controllers.
• Cost savings and network performance improvement: OptixEdge offers users the ability to send less data to the cloud, which can help save money on storage and improve network performance.

Learn more about Rockwell's innovative OptixEdge solution on Rockwell's website.

About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise® to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

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SOURCE Rockwell Automation, Inc.

FAQ

What is Rockwell Automation's OptixEdge and what does it do?

OptixEdge is an advanced edge gateway solution that processes industrial data at the machine level in real-time, enabling faster insights, lower costs, and improved decision-making by connecting to control systems through FactoryTalk Optix software.

What are the key features of ROK's OptixEdge solution?

Key features include a Built-in Wizard App for simplified data collection, lightweight application support, secure remote access through FactoryTalk Remote Access, third-party system compatibility, and reduced cloud data storage costs.

How does OptixEdge help solve data processing challenges?

OptixEdge processes data at its source instead of sending it to distant cloud servers, addressing issues like network limitations, security concerns, and storage costs while enabling real-time analysis.

What percentage of industrial data is currently being used effectively according to Rockwell?

According to Rockwell's State of Smart Manufacturing Report, only 44% of data from smart machines is currently being used effectively.

Is ROK's OptixEdge compatible with third-party systems?

Yes, OptixEdge can be used with both existing Rockwell hardware and third-party graphic terminals and controllers.