FactoryTalk vs RSLogix 500/5000
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
FactoryTalk
Rockwell Automation
Industry standard for Rockwell SCADA
RSLogix 500/5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
Massive installed base - many jobs still require it
Overall Winner
RSLogix 500/5000 leads with an overall score of 76/100
RSLogix 500/5000 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 | RSLogix 500/5000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 62 | 76✓ |
| Pricing | 45 | 70✓ |
| Ease of Use | 40 | 60✓ |
| Features | 48 | 74✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 83 | 85✓ |
| Community Support | 100 | 100 |
| Career Value | 70 | 74✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how FactoryTalk 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
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...
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.)
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...
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
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...
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
RSLogix 500/5000 ($$) is significantly more affordable than FactoryTalk ($$$). RSLogix 500/5000 costs between $1 000 and $10 000, while FactoryTalk ranges from $3 000 to $25 000.
📚Learning Curve
RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than FactoryTalk (rated 7/10). RSLogix 500/5000 typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while FactoryTalk requires 4-8 months. This makes RSLogix 500/5000 better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
FactoryTalk offers 11 key features. RSLogix 500/5000 provides 10 key features with safety programming, motion control. FactoryTalk offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
RSLogix 500/5000 has 75% market adoption compared to FactoryTalk's 70%. RSLogix 500/5000 dominates in North America, Latin America, while FactoryTalk is strongest in North America, Latin America. RSLogix 500/5000'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 RSLogix 500/5000 works with Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both FactoryTalk and RSLogix 500/5000 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
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
RSLogix 500/5000
For Professionals
RSLogix 500/5000
Budget-Constrained
RSLogix 500/5000
Enterprise Use
Both are suitable
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: FactoryTalk or RSLogix 500/5000?
RSLogix 500/5000 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 RSLogix 500/5000?
RSLogix 500/5000 ($$) is significantly more affordable than FactoryTalk ($$$). RSLogix 500/5000 costs between $1 000 and $10 000, while FactoryTalk ranges from $3 000 to $25 000.
Which is easier to learn: FactoryTalk or RSLogix 500/5000?
RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than FactoryTalk (rated 7/10). RSLogix 500/5000 typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while FactoryTalk requires 4-8 months. This makes RSLogix 500/5000 better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both FactoryTalk and RSLogix 500/5000 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.