The global PLC hardware and software market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.2% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the growing integration of IoT with PLC systems, an increase in operational efficiency, and a rising focus on safety and compliance.
The future of the global PLC hardware and software market looks promising with opportunities in the industrial, automobile, government, medical, communication, and other markets.
Within the type category, hardware is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
Within the application category, industrial is expected to witness the highest growth.
In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Gain valuable insights for your business decisions with our comprehensive 150+ page report. Sample figures with some insights are shown below.
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
The future of the global PLC hardware and software market looks promising with opportunities in the industrial, automobile, government, medical, communication, and other markets.
Within the type category, hardware is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
Within the application category, industrial is expected to witness the highest growth.
In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Gain valuable insights for your business decisions with our comprehensive 150+ page report. Sample figures with some insights are shown below.
Emerging Trends in the PLC Hardware and Software Market
In a nutshell, many emerging trends in the PLC hardware and software market are changing how automation systems in industries are planned, implemented, and used today. These have direct influences from technological advancements in the field of digitalization, with the rise in smart manufacturing. There is ever-increasing pressure for more integration-efficient and cost-effective solutions. Here are five key trends that are forming the future of PLC technology.- Integration with Industrial IoT (IIoT): PLC systems are now increasingly being integrated with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to facilitate real-time monitoring, data collection, and predictive maintenance. The integration of IIoT in PLC systems facilitates seamless communication between various devices and sensors in a manufacturing environment, thereby providing deeper insights into operations for manufacturers to optimize performance. The integration of IIoT with PLCs enhances data-driven decision-making and allows better resource management, especially in the automotive, energy, and manufacturing industries.
- Cloud-Based PLC Systems: Cloud computing is revolutionizing the PLC market at a very swift pace through scalable, flexible, and remote control capabilities. Cloud-based PLC systems can monitor, store data, and access the system in real-time, thereby allowing manufacturers to have much more flexibility when managing automation systems across multiple sites. These systems are cost-effective because they reduce on-site infrastructure and maintenance requirements. This is because the demand for cloud-integrated PLC systems will only rise with time, especially for those businesses trying to streamline their operations and bring costs down while enhancing the efficiency of their systems.
- AI and Machine Learning Integration: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into PLC systems for enhanced predictive maintenance, fault detection, and optimized overall processes. Analyzing historical data through AI and ML algorithms, PLC systems can determine equipment failure patterns in advance, preventing actual failures from happening. Downtime is minimized, and operational costs are reduced because machinery is kept functional for longer. Industries like manufacturing, energy, and automotive are adopting AI and ML integration in PLC systems as crucial operational efficiency plays a key role in such sectors.
- Increased Focus on Edge Computing: Further, edge computing is gradually evolving into a backbone component of PLC systems, allowing data to be processed closer to the source of generation. This minimizes latency and reduces the need to transmit large volumes of data to central cloud servers. PLC systems will, therefore, offer much faster decision-making capabilities, enhanced real-time control, and reduced bandwidth needs for the transmission of data. This trend is especially useful in applications where high-speed, real-time control is required, such as robotics and automated manufacturing lines.
- Customization and Modular PLC Systems: The need for more flexible and adaptable automation solutions has led to the development of customizable and modular PLC systems. Manufacturers are increasingly offering modular PLC hardware that allows for easy addition of components and customization of software to meet specific operational needs. These systems offer scalability and can be tailored to different production environments, reduce downtime, and do not require expensive replacements. With more flexible and efficient solutions in demand by industries, modular PLC systems are finding popularity in automotive, food processing, and electronics industries.
Recent Developments in the PLC Hardware and Software Market
Recent advancements in the PLC hardware and software market indicate the evolving technology of automation, IoT, and artificial intelligence. Manufacturers aim to provide more powerful, flexible, and scalable PLC systems in order to cope with the present industrial demands of the modern sector. These technologies drive greater automation across sectors including manufacturing, energy, and automotive. Some of the developments influencing the PLC market are as follows:- Hybrid PLC Systems Adoption: Hybrid PLC systems, which combine traditional programmable logic control with advanced technologies like cloud computing, AI, and IoT, are gaining popularity. These systems offer greater flexibility and scalability, enabling manufacturers to adapt to changing production requirements. Hybrid PLC systems enable integration with existing infrastructure while incorporating new capabilities for real-time data analytics and remote control. This development is particularly beneficial in industries undergoing digital transformation, such as automotive and consumer electronics.
- Integration of Advanced Security Features: With increasing interconnectivity, the concern for the security of automation systems has been growing. The recent PLC hardware and software developments are geared toward enhancing security through encryption, multi-factor authentication, and intrusion detection systems. These security features are important for protecting PLC systems from cyber threats and maintaining the integrity of critical industrial processes. With the ever-growing use of PLCs in sensitive applications, such as energy management and manufacturing, the need for secure and robust systems is ever-increasing.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is emerging as a primary concern in the development of PLC hardware and software. Manufacturers are implementing energy-saving technologies, including optimized power consumption and low-voltage operation, in PLC systems to decrease energy costs and environmental impact. Energy-efficient PLCs are of particular interest in industries such as manufacturing and energy management, where operational costs are directly correlated with energy use. The development of energy-efficient PLC systems assists companies in achieving sustainability objectives while lowering long-term operational costs.
- Industry 4.0 Support: Industry 4.0 will continue to move forward, and PLC systems will also evolve to accommodate advanced automation and data exchange technologies. The current developments in PLC hardware and software are aimed at improving connectivity, interoperability, and data sharing across machines and systems. This facilitates the development of smart factories with automated, optimized, and monitored processes in real-time. PLC systems that are Industry 4.0 compliant are becoming a necessity for businesses that want to stay ahead in the increasingly connected and automated industrial landscape.
- Modular and Scalable Systems: Modular and scalable PLC systems are finding favor as manufacturers call for more flexible automation solutions. They allow users to add or remove components accordingly, depending on the needs they have to fulfill within their operation at any given time, thereby adding value in terms of flexibility and cost-cutting. It is especially useful where frequent changes in production lines are needed or quick scalability of operations is required. These systems significantly minimize instances of downtime and reduce costs associated with operations.
Strategic Growth Opportunities in the PLC Hardware and Software Market
As the demand for automation solutions rises across industries, the PLC hardware and software market will experience significant growth opportunities. As industrial IoT, cloud computing, and AI integration continue to increase, businesses have the option to grow their automation capacity in various forms. Below are five key growth opportunities by application shaping the future of the PLC market.- Industrial IoT Integration: The integration of PLC systems with industrial IoT (IIoT) technologies is a significant growth opportunity. IoT-enabled PLC systems allow for real-time monitoring, remote control, and predictive maintenance, providing manufacturers with deeper insights into operations. This integration improves efficiency, reduces downtime, and allows for smarter decision-making. As more industries adopt IIoT, the demand for PLC systems that support these capabilities is expected to grow, particularly in manufacturing, energy, and automotive sectors.
- Cloud-based Solutions: Cloud computing is revolutionizing the PLC market as it offers scalability, remote access, and real-time data storage. Cloud-based PLC systems give manufacturers control over managing automation systems spread across multiple sites, thereby utilizing big data analytics for improved decision-making. With the trend of cloud adoption growing within all the sectors, manufacturing industries increasingly focus on PLC solutions compatible with cloud platforms, providing a significant area of growth potential for PLC providers in the future.
- AI and Machine Learning in Automation: AI and ML are the current drivers of next-generation innovation in PLC systems, as their deployment in PLC hardware and software will help advance predictive maintenance while optimizing production lines and enhancing operational efficiency. Adopting AI/ML in industry automation is being seen in the growing sectors of automobile, consumer electronics, and energy verticals, meaning a huge window of growth lies ahead for any PLC vendor in delivering intelligent solutions based on a data-driven mechanism.
- Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: There is a significant opportunity for PLC manufacturers in this regard as people are growing their emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. Incorporating energy-saving features like low-voltage operation and optimized power consumption into the systems, PLC providers can help businesses reduce energy costs and comply with environmental regulations. The demand for green manufacturing has generated energy-efficient PLC solutions, particularly for manufacturing, utilities, and renewable energy industries.
- Robotics and Automation Integration: Increased requirement for PLC-based advanced systems has been growing over time as robotics and automation evolve further. The possibility of PLC integration with these modern technologies opens more avenues in terms of applications for robotics in manufacturing, logistics, and automotive industries and PLC control for robotic arms and other conveyor belts along with other automated machinery. This opportunity for growth in a new market area can be easily exploited by manufacturing organizations using modular and scalable PLC systems that are compatible with robotics.
PLC Hardware and Software Market Drivers and Challenges
The PLC hardware and software market is impacted by many drivers and challenges from both technological, economic, and regulatory grounds. Similarly, the challenges to be addressed include hefty prices, integration complexities, and normative compliance. Outlined here are five major drivers and three key challenges impacting the PLC market.The factors responsible for driving the PLC hardware and software market include:
- Technological Advancements: PLC markets are driven forward by progress in automation, AI, and IoT. As digital transformation deepens across the industries, advanced PLC systems are more in demand for supporting these technological breakthroughs. Predictive maintenance, real-time analytics, and remote control enable higher operational efficiency and improve production processes.
- Increased Demand for Automation: With the growing need for streamlined operations, reduction of human error, and productivity, the demand for PLC systems has increased. Automotive, manufacturing, and energy industries are adopting automation technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. PLC systems are at the heart of this automation, which is driving growth in the market.
- Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0: The adoption of advanced PLC systems has been triggered by the increase in smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0. Such PLC systems enhance connectivity, real-time data exchange, and automation in smart factories for manufacturers to improve production, waste reduction, and overall performance.
- Cost Reduction and Efficiency Need: This requires the company to reduce the costs of operation and to become more efficient in an increasingly competitive business environment. These PLC systems should help in the monitoring and optimization of production, downtime reduction, and waste minimization. Cost-effective solutions with higher functionality at a reduced price point are also what manufacturers seek.
- Sustainability Initiatives: In addition, sustainability initiatives are also pushing the development of energy-efficient PLC systems. These systems help companies reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and comply with environmental regulations. The demand for energy-efficient automation solutions is especially prominent in industries like manufacturing and utilities.
Challenges in the PLC hardware and software market are:
- High Upfront Expenditure: The purchasing costs and installation of PLC systems may be quite high, especially for more advanced systems with AI or IoT. These are beyond the reach of small and medium-sized businesses. Installation and maintenance costs are one of the hindrances to most companies adopting these technologies.
- Complex Integration: The integration of new PLC systems with existing infrastructure is complex and time-consuming. Companies face difficulties in ensuring compatibility between legacy systems and new technologies, leading to extended downtimes and operational disruptions. Seamless integration is therefore critical to ensuring maximum efficiency.
- Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: PLC system manufacturers must adhere to a variety of industry standards and regulatory requirements in safety, environment, and security standards. It is hard to navigate the various requirements that may be required for companies with operations in different regions and varying regulations.
List of PLC Hardware and Software Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies, PLC hardware and software companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base.Some of the PLC hardware and software companies profiled in this report include:
- ABB
- B&R Industrial Automation
- Beckhoff
- Emerson
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Omron
- Phoenix Contact
- Rexroth Bosch
- Rockwell Automation
- Schneider Electric
PLC Hardware And Software Market by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the global PLC hardware and software market by type, application, and region.Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
- Hardware
- Software
Application [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
- Industrial
- Automobile
- Government
- Medical
- Communication
- Other
Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
- North America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- The Rest of the World
Country-wise Outlook for the PLC Hardware and Software Market
The PLC hardware and software market is growing at a rapid pace with the help of advancements in automation, industrial IoT (Internet of Things), artificial intelligence, and automation needs in key regions worldwide. As the demand for efficient, reliable, and flexible automation solutions has rapidly increased, the PLC market expands in the United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan. These countries are witnessing a wide range of developments in PLC technology, but the shift has been more toward integrated, intelligent, and networked systems. Increasing productivity and cutting down operational costs are some of the main concerns for manufacturing, automotive, and energy industries; hence, these PLC solutions become more complex and essential for industrial operations.- United States: The U.S. market for PLC hardware and software is rapidly advancing with a strong emphasis on the usage of IoT and AI. Manufacturers are increasingly implementing smart PLC systems that allow remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time data analytics. This trend is being encouraged by the need to transform industries into digital ones, such as manufacturing, automotive, and food processing. Advancements in cloud-based PLC systems are also enhancing scalability and flexibility. In addition, hybrid PLC systems that integrate traditional control functionalities with advanced capabilities, such as machine learning and AI, are developed to optimize operations in U.S. markets.
- China: The PLC hardware and software market in China is booming due to the expansion of its manufacturing sector and push for smart industrial automation. The Chinese government's Made in China 2025 initiative to upgrade manufacturing capabilities has greatly impacted the adoption of advanced PLC technologies. Chinese manufacturers have increasingly focused on producing low-cost, efficient PLC systems while integrating AI and IoT technologies to enhance automation. More powerful and flexible PLC systems in electronics, automotive, and heavy machinery are in demand as China is striving to modernize its industrial base.
- Germany: Germany remains one of the leading markets in the PLC hardware and software market. The well-established manufacturing sector and the country's commitment to Industry 4.0 remain strong reasons for Germany's leading position in the PLC hardware and software market. The country focuses on the development of highly reliable and energy-efficient PLC systems to automate its production processes. Smart technologies like IoT, cloud computing, and AI are integrated into PLC solutions by German manufacturers for greater flexibility and scalability. The push toward sustainable industrial practice is also compelling Germany to develop innovative energy-efficient PLC systems, which can be mainly found in manufacturing and automotive industries. The demand for PLC systems that support flexible and customizable configurable production is also increasing.
- India: India's hardware and software markets for PLC are seeing growth with the rising industrialization of the country and expansion in automotive, textiles, and food processing sectors. Whenever industries want to modernize and optimize their operations, this demand for automation solutions such as PLC is going to rise. The trend in India has now become more affordable, scalable PLC systems for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As industries try to make operations more efficient and reduce the cost of operational output, the integration of PLC with IoT technologies is catching up very strongly in India. With the current growth experienced in the manufacturing sector in India, the uptake of PLC solutions is also increasing.
- Japan: Japan is experiencing constant innovation in the PLC hardware and software market, focusing on high-performance, energy-efficient automation systems. The manufacturing industry in Japan, famous for its advanced robotics and automation technologies, has adopted smart PLCs that integrate IoT and AI for predictive maintenance and real-time data processing. Japan's push toward smart factories and Industry 4.0 is driving demand for more advanced PLC systems. Japanese manufacturers are also exploring the use of edge computing in PLCs to reduce latency and improve system performance. The market is poised for further growth, particularly in automotive and electronics sectors.
Features of this Global PLC Hardware and Software Market Report
- Market Size Estimates: PLC hardware and software market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
- Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
- Segmentation Analysis: PLC hardware and software market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
- Regional Analysis: PLC hardware and software market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World.
- Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different types, applications, and regions for the PLC hardware and software market.
- Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the PLC hardware and software market.
- Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
This report answers the following 11 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the PLC hardware and software market by type (hardware and software), application (industrial, automobile, government, medical, communication, and other), and region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Market Overview
3. Market Trends & Forecast Analysis
4. Global PLC Hardware And Software Market by Type
5. Global PLC Hardware And Software Market by Application
6. Regional Analysis
7. North American PLC Hardware And Software Market
8. European PLC Hardware And Software Market
9. APAC PLC Hardware And Software Market
10. RoW PLC Hardware And Software Market
11. Competitor Analysis
12. Opportunities & Strategic Analysis
13. Company Profiles of the Leading Players Across the Value Chain
14. Appendix
List of Figures
List of Tables
Companies Mentioned
The major companies profiled in this PLC Hardware and Software market report include:- ABB
- B&R Industrial Automation
- Beckhoff
- Emerson
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Omron
- Phoenix Contact
- Rexroth Bosch
- Rockwell Automation
- Schneider Electric
Methodology
The analyst has been in the business of market research and management consulting since 2000 and has published over 600 market intelligence reports in various markets/applications and served over 1,000 clients worldwide. Each study is a culmination of four months of full-time effort performed by the analyst team. The analysts used the following sources for the creation and completion of this valuable report:
- In-depth interviews of the major players in the market
- Detailed secondary research from competitors’ financial statements and published data
- Extensive searches of published works, market, and database information pertaining to industry news, company press releases, and customer intentions
- A compilation of the experiences, judgments, and insights of professionals, who have analyzed and tracked the market over the years.
Extensive research and interviews are conducted in the supply chain of the market to estimate market share, market size, trends, drivers, challenges and forecasts.
Thus, the analyst compiles vast amounts of data from numerous sources, validates the integrity of that data, and performs a comprehensive analysis. The analyst then organizes the data, its findings, and insights into a concise report designed to support the strategic decision-making process.
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