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✓ |
💰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.