FactoryTalk vs OpenPLC
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
FactoryTalk
Rockwell Automation
Industry standard for Rockwell SCADA
OpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Completely FREE - no costs ever
Overall Winner
FactoryTalk leads with an overall score of 62/100
FactoryTalk is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, OpenPLC may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the OpenPLC Project (Open Source) ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | FactoryTalk | OpenPLC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 62✓ | 55 |
| Pricing | 45 | 100✓ |
| Ease of Use | 40 | 50✓ |
| Features | 48 | 63✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 83✓ | 18 |
| Community Support | 100✓ | 94 |
| Career Value | 70✓ | 23 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how FactoryTalk and OpenPLC 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...
OpenPLC
Interesting for proof-of-concept or extremely budget-constrained startups, but risky for commercial machines. The appeal is obvious: completely FREE, runs on Raspberry Pi ($35-$100 hardware cost), zero licensing restrictions. Perfect for: (1) Building your first prototype to secure investor funding, (2) Educational machines or demonstration units, (3) Very simple control tasks with forgiving indus...
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...
OpenPLC
Not viable for automotive Tier 1 production equipment. Automotive OEMs have strict certification, safety, and vendor support requirements that OpenPLC cannot meet. Insurance, liability, and customer acceptance issues eliminate this option. Possibly acceptable for internal R&D labs, proof-of-concept demonstrations, or training junior engineers before expensive platform licenses. Otherwise, avoid fo...
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...
OpenPLC
Completely unsuitable for process industries. The lack of safety certifications, redundancy, regulatory compliance documentation, and vendor support eliminates OpenPLC from consideration. Process industries cannot accept uncertified control systems due to safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Not viable even for non-critical applications in regulated environments.
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
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than FactoryTalk ($$$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while FactoryTalk ranges from $3 000 to $25 000.
📚Learning Curve
OpenPLC (rated 6/10) is easier to learn than FactoryTalk (rated 7/10). OpenPLC typically takes 3-6 months to learn, while FactoryTalk requires 4-8 months. This makes OpenPLC better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
FactoryTalk offers 11 key features. OpenPLC provides 11 key features. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
FactoryTalk has 70% market adoption compared to OpenPLC's 10%. FactoryTalk dominates in North America, Latin America, while OpenPLC is strongest in Global (primarily education and research). 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 OpenPLC works with Generic/Open Hardware PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
FactoryTalk offers stronger career prospects with 70% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, FactoryTalk expertise is more in-demand.
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
OpenPLC Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Completely FREE - no costs ever
- ✓Open source - fully customizable
- ✓Runs on inexpensive hardware (Raspberry Pi)
- ✓Perfect for learning without financial investment
Limitations
- ✗Not suitable for commercial/industrial use
- ✗No official support (community only)
- ✗Limited features compared to commercial PLCs
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
Both are suitable
For Professionals
OpenPLC
Budget-Constrained
OpenPLC
Enterprise Use
FactoryTalk
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: FactoryTalk or OpenPLC?
FactoryTalk is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, OpenPLC may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the OpenPLC Project (Open Source) ecosystem.
What is the price difference between FactoryTalk and OpenPLC?
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than FactoryTalk ($$$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while FactoryTalk ranges from $3 000 to $25 000.
Which is easier to learn: FactoryTalk or OpenPLC?
OpenPLC (rated 6/10) is easier to learn than FactoryTalk (rated 7/10). OpenPLC typically takes 3-6 months to learn, while FactoryTalk requires 4-8 months. This makes OpenPLC better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
FactoryTalk offers stronger career prospects with 70% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, FactoryTalk expertise is more in-demand.