No one asks about security, but they should. Version 16 is not secure. It uses weak CIP authentication. If your plant is connected to an IT network (IIoT), version 20 is the minimum requirement for basic security (CIPSecurity).
Is newer better for security? Yes.
If you are in Food & Beverage or Pharmaceutical (FDA 21 CFR Part 11), you must use v34 or higher for the audit trail integrity.
Do not search for a global "best version." It doesn't exist. Follow this 3-step decision tree: rslogix 5000 version better
What is your IT policy?
What is your risk tolerance?
While AOIs were introduced around Version 16, their functionality and stability have improved significantly in later versions. No one asks about security, but they should
| Your controller | Recommended version | Alternative | |-----------------------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------------| | ControlLogix L55 / L6x | RSLogix 5000 V20.06 | None (V21+ won’t work)| | ControlLogix L7x (no new safety) | Studio 5000 V28–V31 | V20.06 for stability | | ControlLogix L8x / CompactLogix 5370/5380 | Studio 5000 V32–V35 | V35 preferred | | Any safety controller (CIP Safety) | V28+ (V32+ strongly better) | Avoid V21/V24 |
Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Analysis of RSLogix 5000 Version Features and Improvements
To determine which version is actually better for your computer, you must check the OS. Here is the 2024 reality: If you are in Food & Beverage or
| Version | Windows 10 | Windows 11 | Best For Processor | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | v20.04 | Yes (with patch) | Yes (Manual MSI install) | 1756-L7x, 1769-L3x | | v24 | Yes | No | 1756-L7x (Safety) | | v30 | Yes | Buggy | 1756-L8x | | v32 | Yes | Yes | 5069 CompactLogix | | v34/v35 | Yes | Perfect | 5069, 1756-L85E |
Pro Tip: You can have multiple versions installed on the same PC. You can run v16, v20, v32, and v35 side by side. The "better" version is the one that matches the firmware of the controller. Never upgrade PLC firmware just to use new software.