Siemens vs Rockwell vs Beckhoff: Guide to Choosing Your Automation Platform

Choosing the right automation platform is crucial for your project's success. With over 20 years of experience on these three major ecosystems, we offer you a practical guide based on our field experience.

Platform Overview

Siemens TIA Portal

Strengths:

• Complete and integrated ecosystem (PLC, HMI, SCADA, drives)
• Excellent documentation and support
• Large user community
• Ideal for complex multi-domain projects

Weaknesses:

• Steep learning curve
• Significant license costs
• Interface sometimes heavy for small projects

Best use: Complex pharmaceutical projects, multi-site installations, integration with ERP/MES systems.

Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000)

Strengths:

• Intuitive and modern interface
• Excellent integration with FactoryTalk
• Responsive technical support
• De facto standard in North America

Weaknesses:

• High license costs
• Less flexible for very specific projects
• Less open ecosystem than Siemens

Best use: Manufacturing installations, production lines, projects requiring robust SCADA integration.

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Strengths:

• Very flexible PC-based architecture
• Attractive total cost of ownership
• Exceptional performance for motion control
• Excellent for innovation and prototypes

Weaknesses:

• Smaller community
• Fewer references in some sectors (pharma)
• Learning curve for teams used to traditional PLCs

Best use: Special machines, advanced motion control, projects requiring maximum flexibility.

Technical Comparison

| Criterion | Siemens | Rockwell | Beckhoff | |----------|---------|----------|----------| | Project complexity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | | License cost | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | | Motion performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | | Pharma support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | | Flexibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

Field Experience

Takeda Project (Siemens)

For the WFI capacity increase project at Takeda, we chose Siemens for its robustness in the pharmaceutical environment and its native integration with validation systems (Trackwise, Kneat). TIA Portal enabled efficient management of multiple equipment and utilities.

Biogen Project (Rockwell)

On the Biogen project, Rockwell stood out thanks to excellent integration with FactoryTalk and DeltaV. The intuitive interface enabled rapid skill development for local teams.

Lonza Project (Beckhoff)

For the Anol/Dianol line renovation at Lonza, Beckhoff was chosen for its flexibility in managing Ex zones and its performance in motion control. The PC-based system enabled elegant integration with existing systems.

Recommendations by Sector

Pharmaceutical: Siemens or Rockwell (depending on existing ecosystem) Manufacturing: Rockwell or Beckhoff (depending on complexity) Special machines: Beckhoff (maximum flexibility) Multi-site projects: Siemens (facilitated standardization)

Conclusion

There is no universal "best" platform. The choice must be based on: 1. Your existing ecosystem 2. Your project's complexity 3. Your team's skills 4. Your budget and regulatory constraints

At Vanguard Engineering Solutions, we support you in this strategic choice by analyzing your specific needs and proposing the most suitable solution.