ARC Advisory Group’s research makes it clear that although the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) market declined markedly in all regions in 2024 due to macroeconomic conditions and uncertainties, the trend toward Industrial IoT-capable automation systems is changing the role of PLCs in automation architectures. Virtualization and edge computing are exerting influence on the shape of future automation architectures. Industrial 5G will also drive this evolution with ubiquitous connectivity. Engineering tools for PLCs have evolved significantly in the last decade to become “frameworks” that integrate the various tools needed to program or configure all parts of an automation system (logic, motion, visualization, safety, security, and robotics). A well-integrated engineering tool uses a single database as a “single point of truth” for all information and makes this data available to each tool. Integrated environments improve engineering efficiency and help cut costs.
"With the data demands of Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0, the trend toward IT/OT convergence is driving the requirement for PLCs. The result is new types of “PLC-like” devices such as edge controllers, virtual PLCs, and new controller platforms that add key Industrial IoT functionality such as built-in cybersecurity, cloud connectivity, and device management. Virtual PLCs now bring virtualization to real-time control by running controllers in containers instead of directly on host systems. Unlike software PLCs rarely adopted since 1995, vPLCs are licensed annually with most vendors offering a flat fee, though scalable business models may emerge,” according to David Humphrey, Research Director and key author of ARC's Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and PLC-based Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) Market Research.
PLC Market Trends
In addition to providing detailed competitive market share data, the research also addresses key market trends as follows:
- Connect to the Cloud
- PLCs Go Industrial IoT
- PAC Has Matured
- Communications Will Become More Standardized and Universal
- MTP Adds Flexibility and Scalability
Leading Suppliers to the PLC Market Identified
In addition to providing specific market data and industry trends, this ARC market research also identifies and positions the leading suppliers to this market and provides and summarizes their relevant offerings. An alphabetical list of key suppliers covered in this analysis includes: Mitsubishi Electric, Omron, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Siemens.
About the PLC Research
The Programmable Logic Controllers research explores the current and future market performance and related technology and business trends and identifies leading technology suppliers. This new research is based on ARC’s industry-leading market research database, extensive primary and secondary research, and proprietary economic modelling techniques. The research includes competitive analysis, five-year market forecasts, and nine years of historical analysis. The research segmentation includes World Region, Revenue Category, Hardware Type, Software Type, Service Type, Industry, Machinery Segment, PAC and Standard PLCs, Sales Channel, Customer Type.
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