For almost 40 years, the Allen Bradley® PLC-5® and its programming software RSLogixTM 5 have been central to the conversation in industrial automation, and for good reason. These solutions paved the way for future PLC and software developments and their longevity is clear proof of their reliability and validity. However, in response to technological evolution, the Allen-Bradley PLC-5 was discontinued in 2017. Rockwell Automation has now announced RSLogix 5 will also reach the final stage of its lifecycle and be discontinued on December 31, 2025.
In this article, we’ll explore what this means for RSLogix 5 users and discuss the hardware platform and software program taking its place going forward.
What Does This Mean for RSLogix™ 5 Users?
On December 31, 2025, new RSLogix 5 activations will no longer be available for purchase. There will no longer be updates to the software or support for upcoming operating systems. However, Rockwell is offering last time purchase programs to customers and system integrators that need to continue to have access to the programming software. Rockwell Automation technical support will continue to offer assistance for RSLogix 5 users, but long-term availability of support should be verified with Rockwell Automation.
What is Replacing the PLC-5® and RSLogix™ 5?
As the final chapter closes for this legendary product suite, there’s a lot to look forward to as Rockwell continues to innovate with its well-established Logix® family of controllers, and programming software packages Studio 5000 Logix Designer® and FactoryTalk® Design StudioTM.
The controller programming software suite continues to expand its functionality, providing a seamless, end-to-end design experience tailored to modern business needs. With an expanding library of devices and code, generative AI-driven code development, and automated testing capabilities, the software enables efficient application design, accelerating time to market and minimizing downtime. These ongoing enhancements to the Logix platform are designed to support the evolving needs of PLC users, driving the future of industrial automation.
Agilix Solutions Commitment to RSLogix 5 Users
Agilix is committed to help customers migrate from the PLC-5 systems to the best-in-class Logix platform (hardware) and Studio 5000 Logix Designer (software) for modern PLC design. Agilix technical resources can assist with the selection of the new hardware and software, and direct you to tools to assist with the migration process.
Reach out to your Account Manager to discuss your unique situation and chart a path forward for your manufacturing operation.