CODESYS vs FactoryTalk
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
FactoryTalk
Rockwell Automation
Industry standard for Rockwell SCADA
Overall Winner
CODESYS leads with an overall score of 85/100
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, FactoryTalk may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Rockwell Automation ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | CODESYS | FactoryTalk |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85✓ | 62 |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 45 |
| Ease of Use | 70✓ | 40 |
| Features | 86✓ | 48 |
| Industry Adoption | 83 | 83 |
| Community Support | 100 | 100 |
| Career Value | 77✓ | 70 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how CODESYS and FactoryTalk perform in specific industry scenarios to help guide your decision.
Small Machine Builder
OEM building compact machines with 50-200 I/O points, typically for niche markets or specialized applications
CODESYS
Perhaps the best strategic choice for small OEMs with growth ambitions. CODESYS basic version is FREE, and professional features are affordable ($0-$2,000). The killer advantage: hardware flexibility. Your first machines might use WAGO controllers (cost-effective), but as you grow, you can switch to other brands using the SAME programming environment. This prevents vendor lock-in and gives you neg...
FactoryTalk
Not a PLC programming platform - this is SCADA/HMI software. Small OEMs typically don't need enterprise SCADA. If you need machine HMI, use lower-cost solutions like PanelView Plus (included with Studio 5000) or third-party HMI software. FactoryTalk View is for plant-wide visualization, not machine-level HMI. The cost ($3,000-$25,000) is prohibitive for machines. Skip this unless you're building e...
Key Considerations:
- •Per-machine software licensing cost vs expected production volume
- •Time-to-market pressure - can you afford 6+ month learning curves?
- •Target customer geography and brand preferences
- •Hardware cost optimization - some platforms offer cheaper controllers
Automotive Tier 1 Supplier
Tier 1 automotive supplier providing systems and components directly to OEM vehicle manufacturers (VW, BMW, GM, Ford, Toyota, etc.)
CODESYS
Limited direct application for automotive Tier 1 suppliers due to OEM brand preferences, but valuable strategic knowledge. CODESYS underlies many automation platforms (including Schneider's EcoStruxure), so understanding it helps with multiple systems. Some automotive OEMs in China and emerging markets are more open to CODESYS-based controllers, offering cost advantages. The free engineering softw...
FactoryTalk
Essential complement to Studio 5000 for North American automotive Tier 1 suppliers. Most automotive OEMs require plant-wide SCADA/MES integration for real-time production monitoring, OEE tracking, downtime analysis, and quality traceability. FactoryTalk View ($3,000-$25,000+ per production line) integrates seamlessly with ControlLogix PLCs. The centralized FactoryTalk AssetCentre enables standardi...
Key Considerations:
- •Customer-specified platforms are non-negotiable - verify before any engineering investment
- •Long-term parts availability (15-20 years) is critical for automotive
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) must be well-established and accepted
- •Customer's plant maintenance teams must be trained on your platform
Process Industry (Chemical, Oil & Gas, Pharma)
Continuous process control in chemical plants, refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other process industries requiring high reliability and regulatory compliance
CODESYS
Underlying platform for several process automation systems (including Schneider's EcoStruxure), but rarely deployed directly in process industries. The hardware flexibility could theoretically reduce vendor lock-in, but process plants prioritize long-term single-vendor support over flexibility. The free engineering software is attractive for development, but process plants need vendor guarantees f...
FactoryTalk
Essential for North American process plants using Rockwell control systems. FactoryTalk View provides the SCADA visualization, alarm management, and historical trending that process operators depend on. The centralized architecture supports multi-unit process plants with centralized control rooms. The integration with ControlLogix and PlantPAx provides seamless process data access. The costs ($3,0...
Key Considerations:
- •Redundancy and high availability are mandatory for critical processes
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) for emergency shutdown systems
- •Long-term vendor support (20-30 year plant lifecycles)
- •Integration with process instrumentation and field devices
💰Pricing Comparison
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than FactoryTalk ($$$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while FactoryTalk ranges from $3 000 to $25 000.
📚Learning Curve
CODESYS (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than FactoryTalk (rated 7/10). CODESYS typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while FactoryTalk requires 4-8 months. This makes CODESYS better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
CODESYS offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. FactoryTalk provides 11 key features. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
FactoryTalk has 70% market adoption compared to CODESYS's 70%. FactoryTalk dominates in North America, Latin America, while CODESYS is strongest in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America. FactoryTalk's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
CODESYS is designed specifically for Over 500 manufacturers including Schneider Electric, Wago, Eaton, ifm, Festo, Bosch Rexroth hardware, while FactoryTalk works with Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation, Third-party via OPC PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both CODESYS and FactoryTalk offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
CODESYS Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓FREE basic version - perfect for learning
- ✓Supports wide range of hardware (500+ manufacturers)
- ✓Pure IEC 61131-3 standard compliance
- ✓Excellent for education and training
Limitations
- ✗Less recognized brand than Siemens/Rockwell
- ✗Professional features require paid add-ons
- ✗Fewer job postings specifically for CODESYS
Best For
FactoryTalk Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Industry standard for Rockwell SCADA
- ✓Seamless integration with Studio 5000
- ✓Powerful alarming and trending
- ✓Centralized asset management
Limitations
- ✗Very expensive licensing
- ✗Complex to learn and master
- ✗Tag-based pricing can get costly
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
CODESYS
For Professionals
CODESYS
Budget-Constrained
CODESYS
Enterprise Use
Both are suitable
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CODESYS or FactoryTalk?
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, FactoryTalk may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Rockwell Automation ecosystem.
What is the price difference between CODESYS and FactoryTalk?
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than FactoryTalk ($$$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while FactoryTalk ranges from $3 000 to $25 000.
Which is easier to learn: CODESYS or FactoryTalk?
CODESYS (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than FactoryTalk (rated 7/10). CODESYS typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while FactoryTalk requires 4-8 months. This makes CODESYS better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both CODESYS and FactoryTalk offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.