Top 10 Takeaways from the 2024 Ignition Community Conference (ICC)
Flexware Innovation hosted a livestream event with a panel of Ignition and industry thought leaders including Arlen Nipper of Cirrus Link Solutions, James Burnand of 4iR, Jeff Knepper of Flow Software, and Benson Hoagland of Opto 22. The panel discussion covered the Top 10 Takeaways from the 2024 Ignition Community Conference.
1. User and Integrator Knowledge Sharing
The “Table Talks” sessions were highlighted as a unique and valuable opportunity for cross-role collaboration, including developers, CEOs, and managers from manufacturers to systems integrators. The openness among integrators—even competitors—fostered a spirit of camaraderie and problem-solving. It was mentioned that this level of interaction is rare in industry conferences.
2. Alliance Partners Accelerating Development & Deployment
Alliance Partners showcased diverse applications, ranging from hardware providers to advanced software solutions. The collaborative ecosystem around Ignition has grown exponentially, making the platform central to innovative and interoperable solutions.
3. Build-a-Thon
The Build-a-Thon continued to impress, with competitors leveraging MQTT, CSS for Ignition Perspective, and auto-discovery features. Opto 22’s efforts in supplying hardware and fostering creativity made the event both a technical and community highlight. This year’s Build-a-Thon featured DMC and BIJC with the eventual title of “champion” being awarded to DMC.
4. Energy Monitoring and Machine Learning
Energy monitoring was emphasized as a gateway to digital transformation. Presentations at ICC showcased its potential for anomaly detection and regulatory compliance. Indiana’s program to help manufacturers adopt energy monitoring was applauded by the panel, with discussions highlighting the untapped potential in many facilities.
5. Text-Based Configurations in 8.3
This feature introduces version control, deployment modes, Gateway API search, and scripting for gateway configurations. It is expected to drastically reduce deployment time and improve maintainability, making Ignition more accessible for complex projects.
6. Native Ability for Containerization in 8.3
Ignition’s support for Kubernetes and Helm charts simplifies deployment at an Enterprise scale. This approach supports automated failover, scalability, and management, aligning with modern IT demands for cloud and hybrid environments.
7. Event Streams in 8.3
Event Streams provide native integration with tools like Kafka, enabling seamless MES integration and low-code solutions. This positions Ignition as a robust platform for Enterprise-scale data handling and integration, removing significant manual coding barriers.
8. Power Historian in 8.3
Built on QuestDB, the historian offers improved performance and API integration without additional costs. This is seen as a major enhancement, addressing historical data challenges and improving scalability for large systems.
9. Enhanced Drawing Tools
Native drawing tools eliminate the need for external SVG editors, enabling easier customization and integration. This lowers barriers for developers and accelerates the creation of visually appealing and functional interfaces.
10. Venue Change, Focus on Sustainability, Great Food, and Badges
Moving to Sacramento addresses space limitations and sustainability goals while improving accessibility. Next year’s ICC takes place September 16-18, 2025 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Downtown Sacramento. The Harris Center served the ICC well, but the shift to a larger venue ensures continued growth and comfort for attendees. Panelists also discussed the creative name badges that made networking and information exchange seamless.
Conclusion
ConclusionThese takeaways showcase the technical advancements, community spirit, and innovation-driving focus that define the ICC and Ignition ecosystem. If you use Ignition, or will in the future, ICC is THE place to be! The Flexware team will be there in 2025 and we look forward to seeing our many friends and partners, and meeting new friends! See you in Sacramento!
INSIDER NOTES:
- What’s up with the Wizard? Derrick Chambers of Flexware created this elaborate costume and did interviews and had a small role in the Build-a-thon as “Inductus the Orange Wizard.”
- Vertech’s Titus Crabb photobombed our group photo at ICC and we didn’t know it until we put the picture on the final slide! What a fun Easter Egg!
Director of Marketing
I’m driven by the belief that meaningful progress happens when people, processes, and technology work in harmony. In my role as Director of Marketing at Flexware Innovation, I focus on elevating the stories and solutions that empower manufacturers to operate smarter and lead with confidence. I strive to create clarity, build trust, and make complex ideas accessible so my colleagues, customers, and partners can move faster toward what matters most.
