Flexibility. With a PLC system the logic controlling the process can be changed in the field to meet an end user’s specific needs. With proprietary technology changes to the program require someone at the factory to make changes and send a new set of chips for installation. If the changes do not work the process has to be done all over again. This can take anywhere from several days to several months to accomplish. With a PLC based system, changes can be made within a matter of minutes.

Reliability. PLC hardware is far more reliable than proprietary circuit boards. 

Obsolescence. With a PLC based system the end user has a much less likelihood of control obsolescence than with proprietary circuit boards.

Integration. A PLC based control system can be easily integrated with the rest of a machine’s control system or a plants information system through a multitude of proven reliable industrial control networks. Proprietary based circuit boards do not have as many options of integration and will require more engineering and development time to integrate.