One tool to rule them all (Rockwell PLC's)
Use Cases and Deployment Scope
I use Sturio 5000 to program AB PLC's, mainly from the Compact Logix family of controllers. There's not much to say about the problems it solves, it's the most important tool for programing Rockwell PLC's and there aren't other options as far as I know, so basically I have to use it in any case, being it good or bad. All that being said, I do use other tools for Omron PLC's, and I can compare both in terms of easiness of use and tools (and price). AB is many times more expensive tham Omron, so for any given project I would choose Omron, but in the practice it is the client who sets his/her own standard and we have to adhere to it.
Pros
- The tag system it uses for programming makes it easier than other softwares
- Programming Rockwell PLC's
- The management of the ladder code is easier
Cons
- Price, it's realy expensive
- Sometimes configuring communication with other devices can be hard
- I'd like the ability to programm with languages such as C or Python
Most Important Features
- The capability to program Rockwell PLC's
- The Rockwell family is powerful and has many options regarding PLC's, HMI's, servos, etcetera.
- Programming is easy
Return on Investment
- Well, there is one customer that only uses Rockwells PLC's, so I could say that Studio 5000 is a must have and a good percent of the bussiness depends on it.
Other Software Used
Unreal Engine, Autodesk Inventor