Live from Ignition Community Conference (ICC) 2025 in Sacramento, we sit down with Dave Eifert of Phoenix Contact to break down how PLCnext is reshaping edge computing, open automation, and energy data integration.Phoenix Contact has long been known as a staple inside the control cabinet — but today, they’re moving decisively beyond the panel. In this episode, we explore how PLCnext acts as a true edge gateway, enabling no-code, low-code, and full PLC programming approaches while leveraging open protocols like MQTT, Sparkplug, OPC UA, and Node-RED.We cover real-world use cases across energy management, data centers, manufacturing, oil & gas, and off-grid power systems, including how teams can modernize brownfield systems without touching critical control logic.If you’re exploring edge-driven architectures, open ecosystems, or proof-of-concepts for energy and data infrastructure, this conversation is packed with practical insight.🏭 Phoenix ContactWebsite: https://www.phoenixcontact.comPLCnext Platform: https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-us/products/automation/plcnext-technology⚙️ Ignition Community Conference (ICC)Ignition Community Conference: https://inductiveautomation.com/iccIgnition Platform: https://inductiveautomation.com/ignition🎙️ Energy Tech Podcast / Opsite EnergyOpsite Energy: https://www.opsiteenergy.com0:00 – Welcome to the Energy Tech Podcast (Live from ICC 2025)0:44 – Dave Eert’s role at Phoenix Contact1:30 – Phoenix Contact’s evolution beyond the control cabinet2:48 – From components to solutions and edge applications3:20 – What PLCnext really is and why it matters at the edge4:07 – No-code, low-code, and full PLC programming explained4:51 – Open protocols: MQTT, Sparkplug, OPC UA & Ignition5:30 – Using PLCnext as an edge gateway in brownfield systems6:12 – PLCnext Store and pre-built edge applications7:00 – Node-RED support and protocol conversion use cases8:05 – Integrating legacy PLCs without disrupting operations8:44 – Energy management, sub-metering & IO strategy9:47 – Data centers, off-grid energy & convergence challenges10:35 – What a Phoenix Contact proof-of-concept looks like11:22 – Field Application Engineers & solution development12:20 – Phoenix Contact’s edge-first future12:50 – AI, MCP, and open ecosystems in automation14:05 – Why community and openness matter going forward15:00 – Closing thoughts & where to find Phoenix Contact at ICCMusic: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com