An introduction to CODESYS® with IDEC: why more engineers are rethinking PLC flexibility – and so should you
Date: 08/05/2026 | By: IDEC HQ
When did your industrial control system become so complicated – and expensive?
For many machine builders and automation engineers, creating a reliable control system is no longer the only challenge. Modern equipment increasingly requires support for multiple industrial networks, IT connectivity, motion control, and integration with other systems.
As these requirements grow, many manufacturers find themselves relying heavily on the specific hardware or network protocol in the ecosystem. This closed ecosystem can make cost-effective development and system expansion difficult because available devices must be selected from within the ecosystem, thereby limiting the range of options.
As a result, interest is growing in open programming environments and open industrial protocols that provide greater flexibility, scalability, faster development and commissioning, and lower lifecycle costs for industrial automation systems.
One such environment is CODESYS. But what is CODESYS, and how could it benefit you?
CODESYS: an open platform that lowers dependency and complexity – as well as the hidden costs of vendor lock-in
CODESYS is a hardware-independent PLC programming platform designed to help manufacturers reduce their dependence on a single vendor or ecosystem.
It’s built around the IEC 61131-3 international standard for PLC programming, compatible with a wide range of devices. Because CODESYS programming is based on this widely recognized standard, engineers can work within a familiar environment and with more flexibility.
IEC 61131-3 supported programming languages:
Structured Text (ST)
Function Block Diagram (FBD)
Instruction List (LI)
Ladder Diagram (LD)
Sequential Function Chart (SFC)
Continuous Function Chart (CFC)
As the software development environment is separate to the hardware, your programs can be ported across compatible hardware. This helps manufacturers preserve their assets, while providing greater freedom when selecting hardware for future projects.
It’s just as important for modern automation systems to enable flexible communication. PLCs must exchange data with remote I/Os, motor drivers, HMIs, and other controllers.
CODESYS supports a broad range of industrial communication protocols, helping engineers connect PLC and devices more efficiently:
EtherNet/IP
EtherCAT
PROFINET
OPC UA
Modbus TCP/Modbus RTU
CANopen
J1939
Rather than building their projects around the limitations of a specific ecosystem, engineers gain more freedom to select the devices from any manufacturer(s) or brand(s) that best meet their technical requirements and cost-effectiveness goals.
Real-world engineering challenges, solved with the benefits of CODESYS
The main advantages of CODESYS PLCs – such as cost reductions and standardization of global processes – are big wins for users, no matter their industry. Some CODESYS advantages are even more specific to particular applications.
1. Factory/building automation
Adding equipment often means supporting multiple communication protocols. CODESYS supports major industrial protocols on a single platform, making equipment integration and communication easier.
2. Food and packaging
Machines on a production line need to stay in sync to maintain quality and productivity. CODESYS supports motion control to help keep operations running smoothly.
3. Marine
Marine applications often require reliable communication between critical systems such as engines, motors, generators, and hydraulics. These systems often use CAN-based protocols such as CANopen and J1939 – CODESYS supports both.
4. Material handling
Logistics and storage facilities have equipment constantly on the move, including conveyors, transfer systems, and AGVs/AMRs. CODESYS helps keep these systems connected as operations expand.
Coming soon: the IDEC FC7A PLC with CODESYS
Open programming environments deliver the greatest value when combined with hardware designed to take full advantage of them.
In 2026, IDEC is launching the FC7A PLC with pre-installed CODESYS Runtime.
The FC7A combines CODESYS flexibility with high-performance hardware and advanced control. It’s designed to help manufacturers create adaptable, reliable automation systems – keeping things simple, and keeping costs down.
Together, the FC7A PLC and CODESYS offer extensive programming and communication capabilities – without requiring additional software licenses or integration work.
If you’re managing multiple projects and machines, reusing modular code (that you already know works) can streamline programming and long-term system maintenance. Using the FC7A with CODESYS, your programs stay yours. Share code across teams and projects, and port it to different devices as needed.
Backed by IDEC’s technical expertise and support – including CODESYS training and tutorials – the FC7A PLC offers an uncomplicated alternative for manufacturers seeking to modernize their automation systems.
What’s next: IT protocols and motion control functions with CODESYS
In our next article, we'll explore how CODESYS supports advanced IT network connectivity and motion control applications, and how these capabilities will be available in IDEC's upcoming FC7A PLC.
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