Top 5 PLC Programming Softwares

Most electrochemical processes are automated with the use of digital computers commonly known as Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). PLC programming software still stands as the world’s most used automation technology in manufacturing. The software are famous for their scalability, flexibility, adaptability, suitability, and reliability in all programming fields.

PLC’s can easily be applied in automating different industrial processes spanning from machine function to a whole assembly. An example of this process includes automatic control for machinery that are installed on the light fixtures, amusement rides, factory assembly line and many more.

PLC was designed for bearing different outputs and input activities, wide range of the change in temperatures, protects from vibration and electrical noise, together with their impacts. Battery memory back- up is its storage point for programs that are used in controlling machine’s operation. PLC is also a kind of a hard and real- time systems. It is due to the outputs that are produced is done and owing with the different inputs which are receive by the computers. It is also important the outputs are generated in a specific time that is usually shorter. If it will not be done and its output’s generation exceeds on the appointed time, then your favorable result may not be produced that leads to the malfunction of machine operation.

Top PLC Software Brands

In today’s automation industry, there are renowned software manufacturers / developers / types that dominate the sector such as Siemens PLC, Allen-Bradley PLC (AB PLC), ABB PLC, Mitsubishi PLC, Schneider Electric, Omron and Hitachi PLC among others. If you consider trusting online sources, almost 80% of controllers are being sold by top 7 companies in the world, where each company’s contribution may include:

• Siemens have the largest share of contribution with almost 30.7% in the world’s market.
• The second top contribution is from Rockwell Automation that has 21.6% market share
• Mitsubishi comes in the third rank that contributes 13.9% of total score.
• 8.9% of shares belong to the Schneider Electric company.
• The fifth rank goes to Omron which provides 6.6% of controllers on the market.

Siemens PLC

Probably the most famous automation company in the world; it’s the world’s number one when it comes to automation and boasts of 30.7% of the global market share. It offers a line of controllers known as SIMATIC, a short form of Siemens Automatic, which comes with a series of fabulous features such as Ethernet TCP/IP connection, Profinet, and profibus. Through its SIMATIC software, Siemens offers maximum efficiency throughout the entire process/system or automation.

At the moment, Siemens is offering PLCs to petrochemicals, offshore plants, and building management systems. With its consistent prove of scalability, flexibility, and ability, the software offers automation technology that best suits production, manufacturing, processing, engineering, detection, communication, and diagnostic fields.

Most importantly, its easy-to-use property makes the software popular among different consumers. In a nutshell, its combination of complex and simple programming mechanisms makes it a global leader in automation.

Allen Bradley PLC

Rockwell automation and its line of controllers, Allen-Bradley PLC is one of the most established PLC manufacturers in the US automation market. The Allen-Bradley line of controllers are available for projects of all sizes and are collectively known as programmable automation controllers (PACs).

Their network of controllers can manage a whole plant with an appropriate plan and design. Their software suite comes with ControlLogix controllers and software, GuardPLC, and SoftLogix software. The company offers controllers for small-size applications like MicorLogix, SLC500 and CompactLogix systems.

Mitsubishi PLC

It’s considered as the world’s number three with a market share of 13.9%. It’s mostly based in Japan and Asia with little presence in Europe and America. The manufacturer offers the GX Developer PLC Programming Software which is beloved for its reliability and excellent troubleshooting capability and commonly applied in household applications like air conditioners, refrigerators, fans, home automation, TV displays, ventilators, and even in traffic control

Schneider Electric PLC

Schneider Electric has a wide range of PLC software that can be used across different areas. SOme of the key PLC’s from Schneider Electric are:

• TwidoSuite
• EcoStruxure Machine Expert
• Zelio Soft
• ProWORX 32
• Ecostruxure Control Expert
• Modicon M168 Programming Software

In addition to the above, SE acquired Triconex, in 2014, which was the first Programmable Electronic System (PES) to be TÜV certified for use in Emergency Shutdown (ESD) applications and is certified for use in nuclear applications; the first certified Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) system.

Omron PLC

Omron offers a range of PLC softwares that provide users with numerous functions and controls from small scale equipment to entire production lines.  Omron is the only automation software provider that employs an online AutoUpdate system, allowing users to easily download and install updates for FREE.

ABB PLC

It’s a high-end PLC manufacturer. It provides the famous AC500 lineup that offers automation for applications of all sizes. One renowned aspect of the line that distinguishes it from other PLCs is its property of “any module in any CPU” which implies regardless of the type of CPU used for AC500 PLC, ABB AC500 module can be used. Like the other two PLCs discussed above, ABB comes with the option for modular devices. It’s possible to add several cards or output cards or even their combinations for application.

Hitachi PLC

Hitachi has a long history in making PLCs. Ordinary features such as reliability, adaptability, compact format, and good functionality made it one of the preferred PLC manufacturers globally. All its series come with an extensive array of instructions, various communication capabilities, and resilience.

Other Notable PLC Softwares

There are some companies that have an application for different industries together with the negative and positive factors that are accumulated in the following lists:

• Siemens AG are providing PLC to Petrochemical, chemical, BMS, FPSO, and Off- shore industry. It can be easier to recognize since PLC process inputs has a faster response time. The negative side of its front is when the functioning and one of the component fails acting correctly, then system may become unavailable because the machine stops its functioning that may also leads to other issues.
• Moore Process Automation is also a company that reaches to chemical, FPSO and Off- shore industries. Their PLC is considered as a fully structured program software together with facilities that manually selects output and requiring to shut down. But the the drawback is not favorable for safety process critical circuits that can be a huge problem.
• HIMA is a company that deals with PLC as well as attracting decent market. They have market in Petrochemical, Chemical, BMS, and Off- shore businesses. HIMA’s goal is to help customers solving their problems by a fast response. With this, they attracted many customers across the globe. Another advantage or working in HIMA is that customers are getting options to get PLC configured as the demand proves to be cheaper compare to others. The thing that holds company’s back is its dependent to other powerful and bigger companies for discounts and financing when their consideration is on the big projects.

In conclusion, the majority of PLC brands offer trial versions with limited capabilities for individual learning and light application. For the full package and heavyweight applications, consumers are required to pay for their services.

Click the following link for a list of PLC Programming Trainings and Industrial Automation Training Courses

PLC Professional Study Course Starter Kit Ladder Logic Software & Controller 20 I/O, 24V, USB interface

Recommended PLC Programming Software Books

Technician’s Guide to Programmable Controllers: Terry Borden, Richard A. Cox

Hands-On PLC Programming with RSLogix 500 and LogixPro

Programming Siemens Step 7 (TIA Portal), a Practical and Understandable Approach, 2nd Edition:

Programmable Logic Controllers: Frank D. Petruzella

Advanced PLC Hardware & Programming: Hardware and Software Basics, Advanced Techniques & Allen-Bradley and Siemens Platforms

Click the following link for a list of PLC Programming Trainings and Industrial Automation Training Courses