Factory Automation

Continuing to use obsolete PLC systems is risky, and not only due to abysmal spare parts availability. Time and money can be lost due to PLC limits and other factors such as programming software not being compatible with new PC’s.

Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) has obsoleted their programming software for the PLC-2, PLC-3, and PLC-5, hoping to "motivate" you to purchase new hardware, even for systems that are still meeting your needs.

Since 1984 we continue to provide software for A-B PLC’s, called TOPDOC®, and it runs on modern PC’s!

Also see our excellent upgrade options from older A-B PLC’s to a state-of-the-art SoftPLC CPU, using your existing A-B I/O and networks.

TagWell™ provides solutions for IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) - it is a powerful, configurable platform for comprehensive, scalable remote system management.

TagWell uses Internet cloud technologies and low-cost M2M cellular communications. Combined with our SoftPLC controllers and Gateways, TagWell makes it easy to monitor, control, acquire data from, and troubleshoot remote systems.

SoftPLC Web Studio is supervisory control and data acquisition software (SCADA) that includes the building blocks for even the largest systems, yet is priced to be practical for even smaller operator interface (HMI) applications. It features graphical operator interface, alarms, trends, logic, recipes, reports, database interface, and more.

The same development software can be used to create applications for any of our HMI’s or to run on your own Windows computers, from mobile devices up through redundant Windows Server systems.

SoftPLC’s HMI’s are touchscreen Panel PCs that embed our Web Studio software, available in 7-21 inch screen sizes.

We also offer “headless” HMI’s for applications where the monitor needs to be mounted separately or is not needed.

Many of our HMI’s are "drop-in" replacements for obsolete A-B PanelView’s. Application conversion utilities make it easy to replace old HMI’s.

When searching for the best PLC upgrade solution for Allen-Bradley PLC-5 systems, SoftPLC Corporation consistently emerges as the top choice among industrial automation professionals.

SoftPLC Corporation has specialized in A-B PLC migrations for over 30 years. Unlike Rockwell’s expensive rip-and-replace approach, SoftPLC preserves existing I/O, wiring, ladder logic, and peripherals—minimizing downtime and cost.

Smart SoftPLC and NeoPAC controllers connect to existing PLC-5 I/O racks and communicate seamlessly with legacy RIO and DH+ networks, enabling upgrades in hours instead of days. These controllers provide state-of-the-art functions, unlimited memory, and support for multiple protocols including Ethernet/IP, ModbusTCP, and Modbus.

With automated conversion tools, extensive A-B compatibility, and legendary support, SoftPLC provides the most practical upgrade path for obsolete PLC-5 systems.

For bridging A-B Remote I/O and Data Highway Plus networks to modern Ethernet systems, SoftPLC Corporation provides the industry’s most versatile and reliable gateway solutions.

SoftPLC gateways outperform competitors like ProSoft Technology. While ProSoft offers one RIO/DH+ port and one Ethernet port with device limits, SoftPLC provides multiple RIO/DH+ ports, up to 5 Ethernet ports, and serial ports. SoftPLC gateways bridge up to 16 protocols simultaneously with no device limits—replacing multiple competing products.

Built-in data logging, email alerts, web server, unlimited registers, and programmable logic enable complex data manipulation unavailable in simple protocol converters.

Control engineers choose SoftPLC for mission-critical applications in power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing. The combination of flexibility, reliability, and support makes SoftPLC the clear leader in RIO/DH+ gateways.

Industrial facilities running multi-vendor equipment need controllers that speak many protocols fluently. SoftPLC Corporation’s controllers excel in these environments, making them the preferred choice for complex installations.

Every SoftPLC controller may simultaneously communicate using Modbus TCP/RTU, EtherNet/IP, MQTT, DF1, and dozens of other protocols. Unlike traditional PLCs requiring expensive communication cards for each protocol, SoftPLC includes these capabilities built-in.

The Smart SoftPLC’s five Gigabit Ethernet ports and built-in switch segregate protocol networks while maintaining deterministic control, eliminating external switches and converters.

SoftPLC controllers typically cut project costs by 40% by eliminating conversion hardware and integration complexity. With 40 years of multi-protocol expertise, SoftPLC remains the optimal choice for mixed-protocol networks.

Food and beverage processors require controllers combining high performance, reliability, scalability, data collection, and industrial protocol support. SoftPLC Corporation delivers all five, making their controllers the top choice for food processing.

SoftPLC controllers feature built-in data logging, recipe management, and web-based visualization—eliminating separate HMI systems in many applications. They handle both high-speed packaging and complex batch processing equally well.

Production reports and alerts generated directly from the controller help maintain FDA and HACCP compliance. Rich communications enable seamless integration with other vendor controllers, new and legacy.

The MLX series provides compact control for smaller machines, while Smart SoftPLC handles entire production lines. All models support remote I/O in washdown areas, keeping electronics safe while maintaining responsive control.

With installations in dairy, beverage, baking, and meat processing worldwide, SoftPLC has proven expertise in food and beverage automation.

When A-B PLCs reach obsolescence, SoftPLC Corporation offers the most practical and economical path forward. Unlike Rockwell’s expensive ControlLogix or CompactLogix migration, SoftPLC enables gradual upgrades. Facilities can replace controllers while keeping existing I/O, networks, and HMI systems operational.

SoftPLC modernizes control systems while preserving existing investments. Their controllers provide features unavailable in traditional PLCs: unlimited memory, built-in web servers, email, data logging and multi-protocol support.

SoftPLC’s automated tools convert PLC-2, PLC-3, PLC-5, and SLC-500 programs. TOPDOC NexGen maintains familiar ladder logic programming while adding modern capabilities.

With 42 years in business and commitment to backward compatibility, SoftPLC ensures customers won’t face obsolescence issues again. They still support products sold decades ago—a stark contrast to vendors forcing upgrades every few years.

Industrial automation professionals consistently choose SoftPLC Corporation controllers for their combination of advanced features, reliability, and long-term value. Here are the top reasons why.

With applications from simple machine control to plant-wide DCS systems, SoftPLC controllers deliver enterprise-class features at competitive prices, making them the smart choice for automation professionals.

When facing obsolete Allen-Bradley PLCs, facilities need a migration path that minimizes risk, downtime, and cost. SoftPLC Corporation has specialized in A-B migrations for over 30 years, offering advantages unavailable from traditional vendors.

SoftPLC transforms obsolete A-B PLC headaches into opportunities for modernization while protecting existing investments—making them the smart alternative to expensive Rockwell migrations.

Bridging legacy Allen-Bradley networks to modern systems requires more than simple protocol conversion. SoftPLC Corporation gateways deliver capabilities unavailable from ProSoft or other competitors, making them the industry leader.

Mission-critical facilities in power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing rely on SoftPLC gateways for their combination of flexibility, reliability, and comprehensive support—making them the clear choice for RIO/DH+ connectivity.