IIoT PLCs vs IIoT Gateways

QUESTION: Why use a PLC-based solution when gateway solutions are half the price?

ANSWER: When a gateway doesn’t provide the control nor the power you need!


What is a PLC?

So…what is an “IIoT” PLC then?

To be completely honest, “IIoT” is just a marketing concept.  PLCs have been doing a lot of this work for decades.  However, there are some newer functionalities in our PLCs that make this marketing concept easier to implement.  Learn more about “3 Methods for Sharing Data from an IIoT PLC” to understand these functionalities.  They’ve all been around for decades…but not necessarily all in the same cost-effective controller!  And THAT is what we are calling an “IIoT PLC.”

Here are a few points to understand the difference between a Gateway and PLC
IIoT PLCs vs IIoT Gateways

The IIoT Gateway: While good at collecting data from PLCs and other devices, they are not good at controlling machines and other processes.
IIoT PLCs vs IIoT Gateways

The IIoT PLC:  Not only can they collect data from PLCs and other devices, they can also control machines and other processes.  They also typically have more memory and control over the data which allows them to store and buffer it in case a connection gets disrupted.
IIoT PLCs vs IIoT Gateways
Since the IIoT PLC can also write data directly to a database while also controlling a machine, this cuts the communications connections in half, thereby reducing failure points.  If a connection between a PLC and the IIoT PLC is severed, data may be lost.  But, if the PLC is writing directly to the database, that data won’t be lost.
IIoT PLCs vs IIoT Gateways

Call us today at (855) 737-4716 to learn more, or fill out our online form and someone will get back to you.