Siemens vs Rockwell vs Beckhoff: choosing your platform
Siemens vs Rockwell vs Beckhoff: Guide to Choosing Your Automation Platform
> Updated 2026-07-01: TIA Portal V21 (December 2025) adds native Git integration and an AI copilot; Studio 5000 v38 (September 2025) supports the ControlLogix 5590; TwinCAT 3.1 Build 4026 brings package management and Visual Studio 2022 support.
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 (TIA Portal V21, Dec. 2025):
- Complete and integrated ecosystem (PLC, HMI, SCADA, drives)
- Excellent documentation and support
- Large user community
- Ideal for complex multi-domain projects
- Native Git integration (LAD, FBD, SCL, data blocks): PLC code now fits into DevOps workflows
- Generative AI copilot (Engineering Copilot TIA Standard): PLC code and HMI visualisations from natural language
- Safety Test Mode: force safety I/O states during commissioning without downloading test logic
Weaknesses:
- Steep learning curve
- Significant license costs
- Interface sometimes heavy for small projects
Best use: Complex pharmaceutical projects, multi-site installations, [ERP/MES integration](/en/blog/mes-isa95-pharma-integration-erp-plc-suisse), teams that want to version PLC code with Git.
Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000)
Strengths (Studio 5000 v38, Sept. 2025):
- Intuitive and modern interface
- Excellent integration with FactoryTalk
- Responsive technical support
- De facto standard in North America
- ControlLogix 5590 support: a single controller configurable as Standard, Safety, Process, or Process Safety
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 (TwinCAT 3.1 Build 4026):
- Very flexible PC-based architecture
- Attractive total cost of ownership
- Exceptional performance for motion control
- Excellent for innovation and prototypes
- Package manager: update individual components without reinstalling the full environment
- Visual Studio 2022 support (64-bit): no IDE memory ceiling on large projects
- OPC UA client with automatic PLC code generation: IIoT integration without boilerplate
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) OT security: [OT cybersecurity (IEC 62443, NIS2)](/en/blog/cybersecurite-ot-iec-62443-nis2-suisse-guide) is now a platform selection criterion in its own right.
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 Systems, we support you in this strategic choice by analyzing your specific needs and proposing the most suitable solution. The 2025 releases (TIA Portal V21, Studio 5000 v38, TwinCAT Build 4026) bring all three platforms closer on DevOps and IIoT connectivity, without erasing the fundamental differences in engineering philosophy.