For the last few years when you ordered software from Rockwell Automation, in addition to being shipped the physical media you also received a confirmation email with activation information and download link.

FactoryTalk ViewStudio Machine Edition Software Package ContentsThis gave facilities with high speed internet access the ability to download, install, and activate newly purchased software within twenty four hours of placing their order.

And while I found those order confirmation emails extremely helpful, I also took comfort in the fact that when I ordered Rockwell Software I would also receive the physical media and activation document.

So earlier this week when I learned that Rockwell has switched to just Electronic Software Delivery for existing software part numbers (those ending in ENE,) I knew I for one would consider ordering future software packages using the new catalog numbers (ending in ENM) since those are now the only part numbers which include “physical media.”

Going Digital

Rockwell Software Order Confirmation EmailThat’s not to say I think Rockwell’s move is necessarily a bad thing.

While I’ve been a late adopter in switching from physical media to digital content in my personal life (music, games, etc,) the ease of access and immediate availability of the digital versions have slowly been luring me away from always buying the physical editions.

And while the process of logging into Rockwell’s website and finding your software can be described as “tedious” when compared to Amazon or Steam, making use of the Rockwell order confirmation email couldn’t be easier: Click the link, type in your activation info, and download the desired version.

So while I hate to pay more today for the same software and physical media that I purchase last month, in the end the move to electronic delivery of software and media seems to the way of the future.

What do you think?

So, what do you think about this change?

Will you pay $100 more for each Rockwell Software package you purchase to continue to receive the physical media, or are you content with just receiving the digital download?

Let me know your thoughts by using the post a comment or question link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️ 

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

Eliminate commercials and gain access to my weekly full length hands-on, news, and Q&A sessions by becoming a member at The Automation Blog or on YouTube. You'll also find all of my affordable PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.

shawntierney avatar
Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

Discover more from The Automation Blog

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

10 COMMENTS

  1. Hii Mr. Shawn,
    Today I am installing Logic Studio 5000 V21-24 in my PLC. I found a issue during installing this software which show the following message :
    “Studio 5000 Setup cannot continue. To assist in diagnosing the issue, Setup has generated the following log files (please note the path and filenames, as technical support will ask that you email them the files)”
    I installed this software in Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit and Prior, I have never installed yet AB Software in this PC. Could you help me to give solution to fix this issue, please?

    Thank you very much

    TeddyJo

    • Good morning teddyjo,

      I don’t have Win 7 Ultimate, so I’m not sure what the problem you are running into is?

      You may wish to right click on the “Setup” file and select “Run as Administrator.”

      You may also want to check to be sure the “Microsoft” prerequisites are installed first – I vaguely remember that once I was had to install the “Microsoft updates” off the CD before I could install 5000, but I don’t remember the specifics as it was months ago,

      Please let us know if you figure the issue out,

      Sincerely,

      Shawn Tierney

  2. Towards the bottom of the Rockwell Software Downloads page is a semi-hidden drop down arrow labeled “Additional Download Files”. If you expand this you can download all of the content on what would be the Rockwell RSRevs Hard Drive. If you download that you have a digital copy that will install all of the versions in one shot like you are use too. So still available via digital, just have to know where to click!

  3. I have no idea what my purchasing department will do for the next year’s licenses, but I don’t miss the DVDs or hard drive. That being said, I’m the guy usually sending out the email to my coworkers that XYZ software is located on the server at ABC location.

  4. One of the main challenges I have with the online download is that the entire RSLogix array of versions cannot be installed at once. When using the physical media, the installation allows you to check all of the versions during the initial installation including the firmware. I have yet to figure out if this is possible from the downloads.

    I our purchasing agent goes with the savings, I will miss the annual addition to my stack of external hard drives 🙁

    • Dadadadeo,

      Yeah, I totally agree! When I recently setup a new VM I grabbed my Disc to install all the back revs in one swoop – so very convenient!

      Maybe for packages like RSLogix where there is an advantage you could just give your PA the ENM part number?

      I know on my projects using expensive software like Historian, I will require it as $100 is just a drop in the bucket, and I’m not continually downloading 4g installs lol!

      Thanks for your comment – have a great weekend!

      Shawn Tierney