CX-Programmer vs RSLogix 500/5000
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
CX-Programmer
Omron
Easy to learn and use
RSLogix 500/5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
Massive installed base - many jobs still require it
Head-to-Head Match
Both CX-Programmer and RSLogix 500/5000 are excellent choices with different strengths. CX-Programmer excels in community support, while RSLogix 500/5000 leads in community support. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
Score Breakdown
| Category | CX-Programmer | RSLogix 500/5000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 77✓ | 76 |
| Pricing | 75✓ | 70 |
| Ease of Use | 80✓ | 60 |
| Features | 84✓ | 74 |
| Industry Adoption | 65 | 85✓ |
| Community Support | 91 | 100✓ |
| Career Value | 68 | 74✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how CX-Programmer and RSLogix 500/5000 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
CX-Programmer
Solid choice for small OEMs, especially in Asia-Pacific or material handling sectors. CX-Programmer (part of CX-One suite) licensing is affordable ($1,000-$5,000), and Omron CP/CJ series controllers offer good performance at competitive prices. The learning curve is gentle (2-3 months), enabling fast productivity. Omron's strength in sensors, vision systems, and robotics means excellent integratio...
RSLogix 500/5000
Legacy platform, but potentially viable for budget-conscious small OEMs targeting North American markets with older infrastructure. RSLogix 500 with MicroLogix hardware can cost significantly less than Studio 5000 with ControlLogix ($1,000-$5,000 vs $10,000-$30,000). If your machines have modest I/O counts (under 256 points) and don't require advanced features, MicroLogix may suffice. The installe...
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.)
CX-Programmer
Limited use in automotive Tier 1 space, primarily for Asian automotive suppliers working with Japanese OEMs where Omron has relationships. CX-Programmer with CP/CJ series PLCs can be cost-effective for ancillary systems, but most automotive assembly lines use more established platforms. The newer Sysmac Studio has better automotive credibility. If working with Japanese automotive companies, verify...
RSLogix 500/5000
Obsolete for new automotive production lines. While MicroLogix PLCs are still produced, Rockwell is clearly phasing this out. Automotive production lines have 15-20 year lifecycles - starting new designs on sunset platforms is risky. The only justification: Cheap expansions of existing RSLogix 500-based lines where full system replacement isn't economically viable. For greenfield automotive projec...
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
CX-Programmer
Minimal process industry adoption. Omron's market focus is discrete manufacturing and packaging, not process industries. While technically capable of process control, the ecosystem lacks integration with process field instrumentation, safety systems, and industry-specific certifications. Not recommended for chemical, oil and gas, or pharmaceutical applications. Potentially acceptable for food and ...
RSLogix 500/5000
Obsolete for new process plants. Some older chemical or water treatment plants have legacy RSLogix 500/PLC-5 systems requiring maintenance, but starting new process designs on sunset platforms is unacceptable. Process plants have 20-30+ year lifecycles - legacy platforms won't have adequate support. For greenfield process projects, use Studio 5000/PlantPAx. For retrofits of existing RSLogix 500 sy...
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
Both CX-Programmer and RSLogix 500/5000 are in the same price range ($$). CX-Programmer pricing ranges from $1 000 to $5 000, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1 000 to $10 000.
📚Learning Curve
CX-Programmer (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10). CX-Programmer typically takes 2-3 months to learn, while RSLogix 500/5000 requires 2-4 months. This makes CX-Programmer better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
CX-Programmer offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. RSLogix 500/5000 provides 10 key features with safety programming, motion control. CX-Programmer offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
RSLogix 500/5000 has 75% market adoption compared to CX-Programmer's 50%. RSLogix 500/5000 dominates in North America, Latin America, while CX-Programmer is strongest in Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America. RSLogix 500/5000's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
CX-Programmer is designed specifically for Omron hardware, while RSLogix 500/5000 works with Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both CX-Programmer and RSLogix 500/5000 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
CX-Programmer Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Easy to learn and use
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Good simulation capabilities
- ✓Strong in material handling and robotics
Limitations
- ✗Less common in North America than Siemens/Rockwell
- ✗Smaller community than major competitors
- ✗Fewer job postings in some regions
Best For
RSLogix 500/5000 Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Massive installed base - many jobs still require it
- ✓Well-understood and documented
- ✓Stable, mature platform
- ✓Simpler interface than Studio 5000 for basic tasks
Limitations
- ✗No longer actively developed (legacy software)
- ✗Being phased out in favor of Studio 5000
- ✗Won't work with newer PLC hardware
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
CX-Programmer
For Professionals
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
Both are suitable
Enterprise Use
RSLogix 500/5000
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CX-Programmer or RSLogix 500/5000?
Both CX-Programmer and RSLogix 500/5000 are excellent choices with different strengths. CX-Programmer excels in community support, while RSLogix 500/5000 leads in community support. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
What is the price difference between CX-Programmer and RSLogix 500/5000?
Both CX-Programmer and RSLogix 500/5000 are in the same price range ($$). CX-Programmer pricing ranges from $1 000 to $5 000, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1 000 to $10 000.
Which is easier to learn: CX-Programmer or RSLogix 500/5000?
CX-Programmer (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10). CX-Programmer typically takes 2-3 months to learn, while RSLogix 500/5000 requires 2-4 months. This makes CX-Programmer better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both CX-Programmer and RSLogix 500/5000 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.