Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Industrial Connectivity Solutions
Real Time Automation has been a leader in industrial connectivity solutions since 1989, founded by John S. Rinaldi, a seasoned automation expert with decades of experience in manufacturing. Our mission is to simplify industrial networking through easy-to-use products while prioritizing exceptional customer service, a principle that has driven our growth for over 30 years. We specialize in protocol gateways, embedded source code stacks, and customized OEM solutions that seamlessly integrate process equipment to collect, analyze, and interpret real-time data. Our team of engineers brings extensive application experience in diverse industries, including paper converting, power systems, and agricultural testing, ensuring tailored solutions for every client. Headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, we pride ourselves on American-made products, a 5-year warranty on all gateways, and same-day shipping for orders placed before 2 PM CST.Our expertise in Allen-Bradley PLCs, legacy systems, and modern protocols like MQTT and OPC UA positions us as a trusted partner for global clients, from small shops to Fortune 500 companies. We emphasize transparency, no hidden fees, and direct access to live support engineers who helped develop our products, ensuring timely issue resolution. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our 1,152+ gateway solutions, browser-based configuration tools, and integration with platforms like InfluxDB for data visualization. Recognized for our Enginerd support team and industry-leading resources, we provide training, case studies, and technical documentation to empower clients. From initial consultation to long-term support, Real Time Automation delivers cost-effective, low-risk solutions that move your dataand your business forward.
Services
Industrial Protocol Gateways
Legacy System Integration
PLC Historian Solutions
Barcode Scanning Integration
Custom OEM Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of expertise in industrial automation and protocol integration.
- Expert Enginerd support with direct access to product development engineers.
- 5-year warranty on all gateways, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Always in stock and ready to ship same-day for urgent needs.
- Browser-based configuration eliminates software licensing hassles.
Associations and certifications
- RoHS
- UL
- CE
What people say
Expert Enginerd support
Easy-to-use gateways
Reliable data integration
5-year warranty
Quick problem resolution
Services
Industrial Protocol Gateways
Our industrial gateways enable seamless communication between disparate protocols like Modbus, BACnet, and Allen-Bradley PLCs. Designed for deterministic control environments, these solutions eliminate programming requirements by directly accessing PLC data tables. Browser-based configuration simplifies deployment while dual Ethernet interfaces maintain OT/IT network segregation. Backed by a 5-year warranty and Enginerd support team.
Legacy System Integration
We specialize in extending the lifecycle of legacy systems like Allen-Bradley DF1 and DH+ protocols. Our solutions replace obsolete 1761-NET-ENI modules while maintaining compatibility with modern networks. Features include event-triggered data mapping, time-stamped records, and integration with OPC UA and SQL platforms. Ensures continued operation of critical infrastructure without costly system overhauls.
PLC Historian Solutions
The Allen-Bradley PLC Historian captures high-resolution time-series data from ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and MicroLogix PLCs. Supports local storage up to 1TB with forwarding options via MQTT, HTTP, or InfluxDB. Enables OEE calculations through modeled datasets while maintaining data sovereignty. No cloud dependency or recurring licensing fees required.
Barcode Scanning Integration
ScanDr. packages integrate handheld barcode scanners with Allen-Bradley PLCs using the 435NBX gateway. Includes industrial Zebra scanners, cabling, and AOI configuration tools. Reduces replacement costs by 60% compared to EtherNet/IP scanners while maintaining 24VDC compatibility and plug-and-play functionality.
Custom OEM Solutions
We develop custom protocol stacks, device templates, and branded hardware solutions for unique automation challenges. Services include predefined data mapping, custom firmware development, and scalable configurations for repeatable deployments. Supports proprietary protocols and integration with enterprise IT systems.
People
John S. Rinaldi
Founder & Chief Strategist
John Rinaldi founded Real Time Automation in 1989 after 20+ years in manufacturing automation. A recognized expert in industrial networks, he authored six books on EtherNet/IP, Modbus, and OPC UA. Leads strategic development of protocol solutions and customer-centric innovation.
Questions
What Allen-Bradley PLCs are supported by RTA gateways?
RTA gateways support ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FlexLogix, MicroLogix, PLC-5, and SLC5/05 PLCs with protocol-specific configurations.
Do you offer legacy system compatibility?
Yes, we provide DF1 and DH+ protocol gateways to modernize legacy Allen-Bradley systems while maintaining compatibility with new networks.
What warranty do products carry?
All gateways include a 5-year warranty covering defects, power mistakes, and accidental damage like forklift incidents.
Can I get same-day shipping?
Orders placed before 2 PM CST ship the same day for all in-stock gateways and accessories.
How does the PLC Historian store data?
The Historian offers 128GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage with local access and forwarding options via SQL, MQTT, or HTTP protocols.
Is technical support available?
Live Enginerd engineers provide immediate support via phone or email during business hours with no ticketing delays.
