A number of companies manufacture programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that are highly relevant for digital transformation—especially in Industry 4.0, smart factories, energy, utilities, and infrastructure automation.
This is the picture below of the MTi Mingothings metering box post on LinkedIn not to long ago
The picture starts out with programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
Here’s a categorized breakdown of the cost of the leading PLC manufacturers aligned with digital transformation goals:
Rockwell Allen-Bradley 2080-LC20: ~$495 new, ~$300 refurbished. MROSupply lists it at $495 new . DO?Supply (refurbished) offers it for about $306 . Another surplus source (PLC Hardware) shows it around $300 refurbished Software Licenses
CCW Standard Edition (Free) Cost: Free Features: Provides essential programming, simulation, and configuration tools for Micro800 controllers, including the 2080-LC20-20QBBR. Availability: Available for download from the Rockwell Automation Product Compatibility and Download Center (PCDC). Or
CCW Developer Edition (Paid) Cost: Approximately $582.93 USD Features: Offers advanced features such as enhanced simulation capabilities, expanded device support, and additional diagnostic tools. Availability: Available for purchase through authorized Rockwell Automation distributors.
Amazon shows listings between $278 – $390 for new units . eBay listings for S7-1200 CPUs are around $328 . Alibaba options start as low as $90 – $160, but these likely aren’t genuine OEM products
TIA Portal Basic (programming software): ~$300–$500 licensed.
Schneider Electric Modicon M221 PLC (TM221C16R):
Expect to pay around $260–$370 per unit for the TM221C16R PLC, depending on the supplier and order size. Lowest pricing came in at $259, while standard market rates hover around $340–$370.
Mouser Electronics lists it at $367.21 for a single unit, with tiered bulk pricing: 10 units: $354.98 each 25 units: $330.48 each RSP Supply shows a similar new-unit price, with a sale rate of $367.58 Blackhawk Supply (via Square D channel) offers it at $341.28 Madison Electric quotes $259.00
Software (SoMachine Basic) and additional modules (e.g., analog, I/O extensions) are not included and should be budgeted separately (~$200–$400 each).