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Virtual PLC & Soft PLC Market Trends

Report ID: GMI11812
Published Date: Oct 2024
Report Format: PDF

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Virtual PLC & Soft PLC Market Trends

One of the most significant trends in the Virtual and Soft PLC market is the growing integration with Industrial IoT (IIoT) ecosystems. As industries increasingly embrace IoT, Virtual PLCs enable seamless connectivity between factory equipment and cloud systems for real-time monitoring, control, and analytics. IIoT-enabled Virtual PLCs can communicate with multiple sensors, devices, and systems, providing centralized control and better data-driven decision-making. This trend is particularly prominent in sectors like manufacturing, utilities, and oil & gas, where real-time data is essential for optimizing operations, improving energy efficiency, and enabling predictive maintenance.

Cloud computing and edge computing are transforming how industrial automation is implemented, and Virtual PLCs are at the heart of this shift. Cloud-based Virtual PLCs allow for remote access, monitoring, and control, reducing dependency on physical infrastructure and offering greater flexibility in scaling operations. Edge computing enhances this by bringing computational power closer to the equipment, enabling faster data processing and minimizing latency in critical applications. This combination is driving interest in Virtual PLCs, particularly in industries requiring real-time control, such as automotive, smart manufacturing, and utilities, where localized and remote data processing both play crucial roles.

Another emerging trend in the Virtual and Soft PLC market is the shift towards open-source platforms and standardization in automation. Traditional PLC systems often lock users into proprietary solutions, but Virtual PLCs and Soft PLCs are increasingly being developed on open-source platforms that support interoperability between different devices and systems. This trend is enabling industries to customize their automation solutions, reduce vendor dependency, and achieve more seamless integration across various technologies. Standardization efforts, such as the adoption of OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture), are also promoting compatibility between Virtual PLCs and diverse industrial equipment, further accelerating their adoption across multiple sectors.

Authors: Suraj Gujar, Rutvij Kshirsagar

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

The global market size for virtual PLC & soft PLC was valued at USD 865 million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 13% from 2024 to 2032, driven by the increasing implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies.

The field level segment in the virtual PLC & soft PLC industry is expected to register a CAGR of over 13% over the forecast period, as it involves direct interaction with machinery and production processes through sensors and actuators.

The North America market accounted for over 35% share in 2023, driven by the U.S. leading in the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and advanced automation solutions.

Major players in the market include ABB Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., Koyo Electronics Industries Co., Ltd., Lenze, Mitsubishi Electric, Omron Corporation, Phoenix Contact, Pilz GmbH & Co. KG, and Red Lion Controls.