Explore our extensive knowledge base at no cost! Simply sign up and check whether the information you need is available with "Access Level: Everyone." Don’t hesitate to reach out to our local team for assistance; you can either give them a call or use our convenient email form. For more details, visit: [Rockwell Automation Contact Page](https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en_ZA/about-us/contact.page?#tab2).
IdealDan expressed: "I primarily need access to the Knowledge Base. I'm facing difficulties with HMI Migration from PanelBuild32 to FactoryTalk ME, and I believe the Knowledge Base would be beneficial. Can you provide information on the cost for accessing the Knowledge Base?"
Geospark responded: "Based on your inquiry, Self-Assist Support appears to be the most suitable option for your needs. Please note that through the Software I downloads feature, you'll be able to access software updates for any licensed software. Without a TechConnect subscription, these updates would incur additional charges. However, it’s important to mention that you won’t receive physical copies (like discs) of the latest software versions or backups that Rockwell may hold for security.
With Self-Assist Support, you gain fundamental access to TechConnect-level Knowledgebase articles. I recommend reaching out to your nearest Rockwell Automation distributor or vendor to explore this option further and request a quote.
Best regards,
George"
While they may believe they can deceive you without fully upsetting you, it's important to recognize their tactics!
It seems like no one on the forum has ever utilized paid support, or those who have are keeping their experiences confidential. Come on, folks, let's share some insights and numbers!
This subject has been discussed repeatedly, and each time I reflect on it, I can't help but think that Rockwell is an example of the tail wagging the dog.
- 13-02-2025
- Ronnie Sullivan
User kalabdel commented: It seems that either no one on this forum has utilized paid support, or those who have prefer to keep the details confidential. Let's be open, folks—share your experiences! For instance, we recently signed a five-year agreement worth $2 million. That doesn’t seem overly expensive, does it?
- 14-02-2025
- Mark Snodgrass
We seldom utilized the software, but approximately every three years, we would renew our contract for annual software updates. Opting for the contract was more cost-effective than purchasing new copies of all the software. In the current market, the cost was roughly $4.25 per update. Has anyone in our community reached out to the support hotline for assistance?
- 14-02-2025
- geniusintraining
Throughout my life, I've made several calls to their support team and I can confidently say that their representatives are exceptional. This quality service benefits not only me but also my fellow engineers and technicians. When evaluating the costs of software support, their pricing is quite reasonable. For instance, the support fee for OSI PI is just 15% of the initial purchase price—a noteworthy deal considering that many companies face software purchases exceeding millions. When you do the math, it's clear that their support offers great value.
User harryting raised an important question regarding the OSI PI costs: Is the annual fee set at 15% of the purchase price applicable to the hardware and software acquired in the current year, or does it extend to 15% of all hardware and software accumulated over previous years? Additionally, there’s a common belief that the pricing structure is determined by the total assets you possess (including all previous hardware and software). If this is indeed the case, it seems you could end up paying the same amount every seven years as your initial investment. This could represent a significant revenue stream, wouldn’t you agree? However, I could be mistaken!
It's actually the latter scenario, leading to an increase in costs as more licenses are purchased. When I received the annual invoice, I nearly fell off my chair—this reaction isn't uncommon in the corporate IT sector. For example, consider AutoCAD and Microsoft Office; both have transitioned to a subscription-based model. Additionally, many applications are now cloud-based, meaning users pay the vendor for the cloud service. This approach may offer corporations easier management and predictability in their annual expenses. However, on a personal level, I find such pricing models frustrating. This is why I’ve decided to discontinue using Quicken, a personal finance software I relied on for decades, along with all other Intuit products due to their shift to subscription pricing.
JesperMP remarked: "I've come across information suggesting that pricing is determined by 'what you currently possess,' including all hardware and software you’ve accumulated over the years." To elaborate, our pricing was influenced by the software licenses we owned. However, I successfully negotiated the removal of several software applications we no longer utilized. Additionally, I requested a reduction in the quantity, and they complied. As a result, we ended up purchasing around seven support packages. Although I can't provide an exact dollar amount, I estimate the value to be several thousand dollars, which is equivalent to about two software packages. Considering the benefits from the upgrades, it was definitely worth the investment.
- 14-02-2025
- geniusintraining
Are you ready to explore FLOSS and FLOSH? The steep licensing fees for effective automation tools are stifling innovation in the tech industry. Just take a look at the impact an accessible FLOSS operating system has had on software developers! However, it’s a classic chicken-and-egg scenario: a solution must demonstrate its value before gaining support, yet it requires backing to reach its full potential. So, is the UK poised to become a leader in this innovative landscape? While the US and Germany are prominent players in the automation sector, it’s time for the UK to step up and contribute, leveraging our rich engineering heritage to drive progress forward.
Honestly, my primary reason for maintaining a service agreement with Rockwell is to stay informed about the latest software updates. Given Rockwell's close partnership with Microsoft, they consistently face challenges that can lead to wasted time due to software issues. Let me clarify—I genuinely enjoy programming with Allen-Bradley PLCs, which I believe functions exceptionally well. However, their upfront service payment model isn't particularly effective for me. I've received better service and support from my local sales representative than from Rockwell itself. Apologies for digressing! - Holm
The excellence of our Tech Support for phones is truly exceptional. We offer round-the-clock assistance, available 24/7 throughout the year. I’ve reached out to them numerous times due to persistent hardware, software, and firmware issues that have plagued my device over the years. Without the reliable support from the phone tech team, I honestly would have found it overwhelming.
My personal journey has been quite a mixed bag. I encountered excellent support for a few issues, while other inquiries were met with frustratingly minimal assistance. For example, when I inquired about the freezing of their IO blocks, the response was merely to purchase an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and they suggested closing the ticket without addressing my concerns. This left me feeling like I was wasting my money on solutions that didn’t tackle the real problems.
The overall cost is contingent on several factors, including whether you need support around the clock (24/7/365) or during standard business hours (8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday). Additionally, the number of software packages and the quantity of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) present in your facility will significantly influence the pricing. It's essential to discuss these quantities and requirements with AB to obtain an accurate estimate. - James
You've inquired about the cost, so let’s break it down for you. Here’s a detailed overview of the equipment and support included in our package:
- Two PLC 5/30 controllers
- Two licenses for Logix5
- Two Ethernet-enabled SLC controllers (exact model not recalled)
- Four to five licenses for Logix500
- 13 CompactLogix controllers
- Three ControlLogix controllers
- Four to five licenses for Logix5000
- Eight to ten seats of RSLinx Classic
- Four to five FactoryTalk View Studio ME licenses
- Weekday technical support (Monday to Friday)
The total annual investment for this comprehensive automation solution is $15,000. If you're looking for robust industrial automation solutions, this package offers great value!
When considering the cost of TechConnect Support from Rockwell Automation, it's essential to recognize that the focus shouldn't solely be on how much you might pay, but rather on what you specifically will be required to pay. To echo a point from my previous post, Geospark mentioned the importance of relevant feedback.
Truth be told, many of us have unique needs from Rockwell Automation's TechConnect offerings, making it less beneficial for our friend to receive a list of what everyone else is paying. For example, my TechConnect expenses could amount to 1,500 Earth Credits for Drives from Monday to Friday, during business hours, while another individual might be charged 15,000 Earth Credits for a Toolkit. Such examples might confuse the original poster (OP) rather than inform them. Unless they can correlate these figures with their own specific needs and quoted costs, the information won't provide the clarity they seek.
Let me illustrate this further with an analogy:
Q: I have a dental appointment tomorrow. What will it cost me?
A: Let me break it down for you. Last week, I underwent significant dental work—six teeth were extracted, two root canals performed, three caps placed, eight fillings completed, and four crowns installed. The total bill for these procedures reached 15,000 Earth Credits, with an additional 2,000 Earth Credits expected when the bridges are fitted. Regular checkups and potential follow-up treatments will also be necessary. It's safe to say it’ll cost over 15,000 Earth Credits for my procedure. What do you think of that?
Q: That sounds like much more treatment than what I need! I've barely had any dental issues and think I’ll just need a filling or two, maybe a polish. Will it still cost me that much?
A: Yes, ultimately, our dental needs don’t determine our costs. What I end up paying will likely reflect on what you need to pay, even if it varies.
Q: That doesn't really make any sense or help me much, but I appreciate your input.
At its core, the fundamental question is about determining the cost for the OP to acquire TechConnect for their specific requirements. Sharing our individual expenses for TechConnect is not an effective method for the OP to estimate their potential costs. My main concern at the outset of this discussion was that it might lead to a competitive back-and-forth regarding pricing, which would only leave the OP more confused. At one point, we even mentioned costs reaching "$2,000,000.00"! Given that the OP was simply looking for access to the Knowledgebase, this was quite the spectacle.
If you’re seeking to understand costs associated with Rockwell Automation’s TechConnect Support, it's crucial to focus on personalized needs instead of comparing our expenses, as that can lead to unnecessary confusion.
They are really pushing your buttons, making it difficult for everyone involved. It's a complex situation with various challenges and intricacies.
- 14-02-2025
- Ronnie Sullivan
What’s the saying? If you need to inquire, it’s likely beyond your financial reach.
Ronnie Sullivan commented, "They are taking advantage of you!" It seems like they have everyone in a tight grip, and they just keep tightening it. Click to learn more. While this may resonate with some individuals, I personally don't find it concerning as long as I'm not the one being pressured or facing unnecessary stress. This is the advantage of being employed by a prosperous, multinational corporation that absorbs costs effectively. While some may procrastinate or resist change, this company sets clear expectations and requirements, and I simply focus on facilitating those processes.
All of my inquiries regarding AB 5K have been thoroughly addressed right here. Thank you for the informative insights!
Aussie Insight: Are we ready for a FLOSS and FLOSH revolution? The high costs associated with licensing acceptable automation solutions are stifling innovation in the industry. Just look at how an accessible FLOSS operating system has transformed opportunities for computer programmers. However, we find ourselves in a classic dilemma: the technology needs to be robust before gaining support, yet backing is essential for it to reach its full potential. Is the UK positioned to lead this innovative shift? While the US and Germany dominate the automation sector, now is the time for the UK to step up, leveraging our rich engineering legacy.
Let’s not kid ourselves—it’s not merely a matter of cause and effect. Think about the critical issues at hand: how many lives depend on the reliability of websites? What are the stakes if vital controls are inadequately tested or poorly designed? While I share the sentiment that paying for hardware and the necessary software can be unjust (just consider the affordability of small protocol converters and smart instrumentation), developing quality automation software still incurs significant costs.
Moreover, consider the target audience—most automation professionals tend to be more skilled than average electricians but lack the programming expertise of their IT counterparts. If you peruse the forums, you'll notice a strong preference for traditional ladder logic among users. Are we ready to transition them to a Linux-based system (which, it’s worth noting, has improved significantly in usability) even if it may not align with their current workflows?
You’ll experience superior assistance on this forum compared to relying solely on the Knowledge Base (KB). The search functionality within the KB is often ineffective, which is why I prefer using live chat for immediate help—this way, they can locate the relevant KB article for me. In my view, investing in live chat and phone support is well worth it. While live chat can occasionally be inconsistent, the phone support typically provides excellent service.
LoganB shared, "You’ll find more effective support on this forum compared to relying solely on the Knowledge Base (KB). The search functionality in their KB is quite poor, which is why I prefer to use live chat and have the support team locate the KB article for me. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to me directly! If the information is available in the Knowledge Base, chances are I can help you locate it. Remember, we both have similar keyboards!"
What distinguishes reaching out via live chat from consulting you, George? Aside from the obvious difference of around 6,000 words! Just teasing you; I truly value your insights. I feel no urgency to learn how to navigate their search system until it becomes necessary, and that won't happen until I lose access to live chat support! By that time, I'm hoping they’ll have optimized their search results in a more user-friendly manner. With dedication, anyone can acquire new skills, but I prefer search engines that are intuitive and user-friendly. This instinctive design is what contributed to Google's remarkable success, and I believe Rockwell has the potential to achieve the same if they choose to focus on it.
LoganB shared: "You'll receive more effective support in this forum compared to relying solely on the Knowledge Base (KB). The search functionality in the KB is quite inadequate, so I prefer using live chat to have them locate the specific KB articles for me. In my experience, both live chat and phone support are worth the investment. While live chat can be inconsistent, the phone support tends to be very reliable. To enhance your KB search, try adding a "+" before each keyword to combine them, like this: '+PowerFlex +525 +firmware' for better results."
Are you looking for the latest PowerFlex 525 firmware? Here’s how to find it: simply enter the query “What is the latest PowerFlex 525 firmware?” into your search engine. For example, searching yields results like 77067 - RSLogix 5000, which indicates issues with selecting the appropriate firmware revision, correlating, or adding a new drive. Access Level: Everyone. This resource provides comprehensive information on how to obtain the most recent Drive AOPs. I previously shared the tip about using the "+" sign for more effective searches, but I'm currently having trouble locating that information! Would appreciate any help!
The "+" operator is incredibly useful for narrowing your search results by a factor of ten. Here are some effective ways to refine your online searches using special characters:
1. **Mandating Specific Words**: To ensure that certain terms appear in your results, place a plus sign (+) in front of the words you want to include. For example, searching for +cell +roam +voicemail will yield results that contain all three of these essential keywords.
2. **Excluding Unwanted Words**: If you wish to omit specific terms from your search, use a minus sign (-) before those words. For instance, entering cell -biology in the search bar will return results that include "cell" but exclude "biology."
3. **Using Wildcards for Variations**: To find variations of a word, utilize an asterisk (*) after the initial letters. For example, searching for hand* will result in answers that include not only "hand" but also "handset," "hands-free," "handbook," "hand-held," "handshake," and "handkerchief."
4. **Searching with Synonyms**: To explore results that include synonyms of a particular term, place a tilde (~) before the word. For example, searching for ~account will provide results that include "account," "bill," and "invoice."
These techniques can significantly enhance your search efficiency and ensure you find the most relevant information quickly.