How to Start Learning PLC Programming?

If you're familiar with industrial automation, you probably know that Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are industrial computers that can be programmed to perform specific tasks in industrial environments. To interact with them, you need to know how to program PLCs.

PLC programming is a valuable skill in today’s industry. Whether you’re working for a company or just getting started with PLC programming, knowing how to learn PLC programming and which PLC brands to focus on can help you get started more easily.

If you're a plant manager or in a similar role and think your team could benefit from PLC programming training, head over to realpars.com/business and add your contact info. Our team will reach out soon to see how we can help your team level up their skills.

In this article, you’ll learn how to choose the best PLC for your needs and how to start PLC programming. Let’s begin by talking about the top PLC brands around the world.

Most popular PLC brands

There are many PLC brands around the world that users can choose from based on their needs. Some popular PLC brands are:

• Siemens
• Allen-Bradley
• Mitsubishi Electric
• Schneider Electric
• Omron

The choice of PLC brand depends on the region you're in and the industry you're working in.

So, if you're already working in a company that uses PLCs, your focus should be on the PLC brand that your company uses. Different industries prefer different brands based on their operational needs. Knowing the PLC brand your company uses allows you to focus on developing the specific skills needed for your job.

If you're not working in a company but want to start learning PLC programming on your own, you should consider the market share of PLC brands in your region. The most popular PLC brands can vary by location, and understanding which brands are most widely used in your area will help you decide which one to focus on. It can also give you access to a broader job market.

PLC brand popularity by region

Let’s compare the market share of each PLC in different regions around the world.

• In North America, Allen-Bradley is the most popular PLC brand. It’s widely used in industries like manufacturing, automotive, and food processing. If you're in North America and want to learn PLC programming, starting with Allen-Bradley PLCs is a smart choice. The most commonly used Allen-Bradley PLCs are CompactLogix, ControlLogix, and MicroLogix.

• In Europe, the most popular PLC brand is Siemens. Siemens PLCs, particularly the S7 series, are used in a wide range of industries, from automotive to food production. So if you’re based in Europe and want to learn PLC programming, Siemens is a great option for you.

• In Asia, Mitsubishi Electric, Siemens, and Omron are popular PLC brands, especially in countries like Japan and China.
  

• In Australia, Allen-Bradley and Siemens are the leading PLC brands, particularly in manufacturing and mining.
• In South America and Africa, Siemens and Schneider Electric are widely used.
  

Each PLC has its own programming software. For example, you can program Siemens PLCs with TIA Portal. Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs can be programmed with Studio 5000, and to program Micro800 PLCs, you need the Connected Components Workbench (CCW) software.

Choosing the right learning resources

Once you've decided on the PLC brand you want to focus on, the next step is finding the right learning resources. At RealPars, we offer several course series on PLC programming. You can choose the best one depending on your needs and start learning with it.

If you want to learn to program the Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix PLCs, we suggest the Learn Logix course series for you.

These courses teach you everything you need to know to become a competent and confident PLC programmer specializing in Allen-Bradley Logix PLCs.

If you want to learn programming Siemens PLCs and are looking for practical courses, we suggest our PLC Programming Made Easy course series. You can start with the first course of the series and move on to the advanced levels. In these courses, you’ll learn programming with TIA Portal software.

To learn programming with the Micro800 series of PLCs, we suggest our PLC Programming From Scratch course series. In this series, you’ll learn how to program your Micro800 PLC using Connected Components Workbench.

After completing each course, you’ll receive a certificate that you can proudly share on your LinkedIn profile and use to find your next career opportunity in the industrial automation field.

Summary

Deciding which PLC brand to focus on depends on where you’re located and whether you’re working in a company. If you're already employed, start by learning the PLC brand your company uses. If you’re starting on your own, choose a PLC brand based on the market share in your region.

With the right resources and focus, you'll be on your way to becoming a professional PLC programmer.

You can easily find the courses you're looking for by going to realpars.com/courses and filtering by the PLC Programming Skill Path and the brand of PLC you want to learn.

If you're a plant manager or maintenance manager looking to train your team of engineers and technicians in PLC programming or other industrial manufacturing skills, just fill out this form, and our team will call you back within a few minutes.