Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is PLCflow?
PLCflow is a cloud-based platform that automates PLC code generation, analysis, and management for Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix systems. It turns spreadsheets and L5X files into production-ready ladder logic, tag definitions, and supporting files.
Who is PLCflow for?
Controls engineers, automation engineers, system integrators, and anyone who programs Allen-Bradley PLCs using Rockwell Studio 5000. Whether you're building a new system or maintaining an existing one, PLCflow saves time on the repetitive parts of the job.
Do I need to install anything?
No. PLCflow is entirely web-based. Open it in your browser, upload your files, and start generating. No plugins, no desktop software, no Studio 5000 add-ins.
Which PLC platforms are supported?
PLCflow currently supports Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms that use Rockwell Studio 5000 and the L5X file format. GuardLogix safety programs are supported in the Code Analyzer.
Products
What file formats does PLCflow work with?
Input: L5X (Rockwell PLC programs), XLSX/XLS/CSV (spreadsheet definitions). Output: L5X (ladder logic, AOIs, UDTs), CSV (tag definitions), JSON (Ignition UDTs).
Can I use my existing spreadsheets?
Yes. PLCflow accepts standard Excel and CSV files. Download a template from any module to see the expected format, then adapt your existing I/O lists to match.
What does the Code Analyzer check for?
The AI-powered Code Analyzer reviews your L5X files for logic errors, copy-paste mistakes, naming convention issues, unused tags, structural problems, and opportunities for improvement. It provides a health score and rung improvement recommendations.
Can I save and reuse my configurations?
Yes. Every generation module supports saving and loading configurations. Save your device definitions, alarm setups, or duplication rules and reload them on any future session.
Can my team share one set of UDTs and AOIs?
Yes. Custom Structures and the Tag Database can live in a Project or Organization workspace instead of a personal one, so everyone with access generates against the same approved set. Shared workspaces require a Geek plan or above, and adding your own structures requires Pro. Every plan can browse and generate against the system UDTs and AOIs.
What happens when we revise a standard UDT?
Every structure keeps its full version history. Upload the revision and compare it against the previous one line by line. Generation follows the newest revision by default, so the ordinary case needs no extra step. If you would rather review first, pin the approved revision and it stays put until you switch, so a standard can be revised without forcing it into production the same day.
Does PLCflow replace Studio 5000?
No. PLCflow generates the files you import or paste into Studio 5000. It automates the code creation step - you still use Studio 5000 for editing, testing, downloading to the PLC, and going online.
Security & Data
Is my PLC code safe?
Yes. All files are encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest. Your data is isolated to your account - no other user can access your files, tags, or generated code.
Do you store my uploaded files?
Yes. Files you upload, and the code you generate, are stored in your account and associated with your projects so you can come back to them later. You can delete them at any time. When you delete your account, all projects, uploaded files, and generated output are queued for permanent deletion within 30 days. Our Privacy Policy sets out the full retention periods.
Who has access to my data?
You, and anyone you invite to your organization. We never sell your data, and we do not share your files, tags, or generated code with third parties for their own purposes. Our AI features send your prompts to Anthropic's Claude, which does not use them to train its models. Two exceptions are worth knowing: PLCflow staff with production access can technically read AI Command conversation history, which is role-restricted and logged, and we use a small set of subprocessors to run the service. Our Privacy Policy lists every one of them.
Billing
Is there a free plan?
Yes. The Free tier includes the core modules (I/O Code, Alarm Code, Tag Database, UDT Converter, UDT Generator, plus read-only access to the structure library) with 10 generations per month. It also includes a small monthly AI allowance you can spend on Code Analyzer, Comment Helper, and AI Command Center. No credit card required.
How does the free trial work?
Every account gets one 14-day Pro trial, and you choose when it starts - sign up, look around, and start the clock from the top bar when you have real work to put through it. For those 14 days you get full Pro-tier access. When it ends you move to the Free tier automatically - no charge, no surprise billing. Upgrade to Pro or higher whenever you're ready.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. Cancel from your billing settings at any time. Your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period, then reverts to the Free tier.