FactoryTalk vs GX Works3
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
FactoryTalk
Rockwell Automation
Industry standard for Rockwell SCADA
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
Overall Winner
GX Works3 leads with an overall score of 81/100
GX Works3 is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, FactoryTalk may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Rockwell Automation ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | FactoryTalk | GX Works3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 62 | 81✓ |
| Pricing | 45 | 75✓ |
| Ease of Use | 40 | 80✓ |
| Features | 48 | 86✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 83✓ | 80 |
| Community Support | 100✓ | 91 |
| Career Value | 70 | 74✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how FactoryTalk and GX Works3 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
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...
GX Works3
Sweet spot for small Asian and European OEMs. GX Works3 licensing ($1,000-$5,000) is affordable enough that you can license 2-3 seats without breaking the bank. Mitsubishi's iQ-R and FX5 series offer excellent performance at competitive prices. The learning curve is gentle (1-3 months) - your programmer can be productive quickly, accelerating time-to-market. The software runs smoothly on modest ha...
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.)
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...
GX Works3
Increasingly common for Asian automotive Tier 1 suppliers, particularly those serving Japanese, Korean, and Chinese OEMs (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Geely, BYD). Mitsubishi Electric has strong presence in Asian automotive manufacturing, and many OEMs specify or prefer GX Works3. The licensing cost ($1,000-$5,000) is significantly lower than Siemens/Rockwell - attractive for cost-sensitive mar...
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
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...
GX Works3
Limited adoption in Western process industries, but more common in Asian process plants. Mitsubishi has process automation solutions, but market penetration is lower than Siemens or Rockwell in critical process applications. The reliability and features are adequate, but the ecosystem of process field instruments, safety systems, and SCADA integrations is less developed. For non-critical process a...
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
GX Works3 ($$) is significantly more affordable than FactoryTalk ($$$). GX Works3 costs between $1 000 and $5 000, while FactoryTalk ranges from $3 000 to $25 000.
📚Learning Curve
GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than FactoryTalk (rated 7/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while FactoryTalk requires 4-8 months. This makes GX Works3 better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
FactoryTalk offers 11 key features. GX Works3 provides 11 key features with safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
FactoryTalk has 70% market adoption compared to GX Works3's 65%. FactoryTalk dominates in North America, Latin America, while GX Works3 is strongest in Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe. FactoryTalk's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
FactoryTalk is designed specifically for Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation, Third-party via OPC hardware, while GX Works3 works with Mitsubishi Electric PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both FactoryTalk and GX Works3 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
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
GX Works3 Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
- ✓More affordable than competitors
- ✓Strong in Asia-Pacific market
- ✓Good simulation capabilities
Limitations
- ✗Less common in North America
- ✗Smaller community compared to Siemens/Rockwell
- ✗Limited third-party integration
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
GX Works3
For Professionals
GX Works3
Budget-Constrained
GX Works3
Enterprise Use
Both are suitable
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: FactoryTalk or GX Works3?
GX Works3 is the stronger overall choice with better community support. 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 FactoryTalk and GX Works3?
GX Works3 ($$) is significantly more affordable than FactoryTalk ($$$). GX Works3 costs between $1 000 and $5 000, while FactoryTalk ranges from $3 000 to $25 000.
Which is easier to learn: FactoryTalk or GX Works3?
GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than FactoryTalk (rated 7/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while FactoryTalk requires 4-8 months. This makes GX Works3 better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both FactoryTalk and GX Works3 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.