Language barriers: Is ladder logic all you need?

Since there continues to be a large installed base of PLCs that have been programmed using ladder logic, this well-accepted software remains a staple in the industry. Ladder logic definitely has time on its side. But there's a feeling within the industry that limiting PLC programming software language to only ladder logic could be counterproductive in some applications. It’s useful to examine both ladder logic and the other programming languages defined by the IEC, as well as their benefits.