For the fifth consecutive year, PLCnext Technology by Phoenix Contact has been recognized as “Best in Class” in the PAC Innovation RADAR for Digital Platforms for Industrial Edge Management in Europe 2026. This independent assessment positions Phoenix Contact among the leading providers in the market and highlights the strengths that matter most to industrial users today: cybersecurity, Industrial AI, energy expertise, and an open ecosystem.
But what exactly is the PAC Innovation RADAR, why was PLCnext Technology recognized, and most importantly: what does this mean for you?
What is the PAC Innovation RADAR?
The PAC Innovation RADAR is an independent market assessment developed by analyst firm PAC (Pierre Audoin Consultants). It evaluates technology providers based on a broad set of criteria, including portfolio capabilities, strategy, market strength, ecosystem development, customer relevance, and innovation. Providers are assessed using analyst briefings, questionnaires, customer feedback, existing PAC databases, and secondary research.
Unlike evaluations that focus primarily on company size or revenue, the PAC Innovation RADAR places particular emphasis on innovation, vision, technology capabilities, and the ability to address future market requirements. The closer a provider is positioned to the upper-right corner of the radar, the closer it is to meeting customer requirements.
The 2026 Industrial Edge Management RADAR included well-known vendors such as Siemens, Bosch Rexroth, Microsoft, Weidmüller, ZEDEDA, Litmus, Portainer, Hilscher, KEB Automation, AVEVA, Kontron, and TTTech Industrial.
Why was PLCnext Technology recognized?
According to PAC, PLCnext Technology achieved its Best-in-Class position through a combination of cyber resilience, business momentum, energy-focused innovation, global expansion, and Industrial AI capabilities.
Cybersecurity as a core differentiator
One of the strongest reasons for the recognition is PLCnext Technology’s focus on cybersecurity and cyber resilience.
PAC highlights that Phoenix Contact was an early mover in the Industrial Edge market and has continuously invested in secure-by-design technologies. PLCnext Technology was the first PLC platform to offer certification according to IEC 62443-4-2 SL2, followed by the first PLC combining IEC 62443-4-2 SL2 and functional safety certification. In addition, PLCnext Control has been certified according to IEC 61850 Ed. 2.1 and IEC 62351-3 for secure communication in energy management systems.
PAC explicitly states that no other vendor in the analysis demonstrates a stronger focus on cyber resilience in this area.
“No other vendor in our evaluation places a stronger focus on meeting the diverse cyber resilience requirements of customers via certifications. This takes quite some effort but is essential to serving customers in the critical infrastructure space around the world. Phoenix Contact, with its PLCnext offering, is a real hero in this respect.”
Arnold Vogt
Head of Digital & IoT
PAC
Strong position in the energy sector
Another key differentiator is Phoenix Contact’s strategic focus on energy and critical infrastructure.
According to PAC, PLCnext Technology’s vision aligns closely with the transition toward an All Electric Society, with a particular emphasis on improving the efficiency and security of energy systems. The platform’s certifications and compliance with international standards help customers address the strict security and reliability requirements common in utilities and critical infrastructure environments.
PAC also highlights Phoenix Contact’s leadership in obtaining region-specific certifications through internationally recognized organizations such as DNV and CPRI, enabling broader adoption in global energy markets.
A growing community and ecosystem
Innovation is not only driven by technology but also by ecosystems. PAC recognizes the PLCnext Community as the largest developer community among the vendors assessed. LinkedIn community growth increased from approximately 5,000 followers in 2020 to 25,000 followers in 2026, while the PLCnext Store expanded from more than 80 components in 2020 to over 270 components today.
For customers, this means access to a growing ecosystem of software components, expertise, partners, and developers that can accelerate innovation and simplify solution development.
Industrial AI at the edge
Artificial intelligence continues to be one of the most important trends in industrial automation. PAC identifies Industrial AI as a major growth area and highlights Phoenix Contact’s investment in this field.
With solutions such as MLnext Creation and MLnext Execution, users can develop and deploy AI models for industrial applications more easily. PAC also highlights Phoenix Contact’s collaboration with Intel and the company’s vision of combining AI with software-defined automation and virtual PLCs.
Why does this matter for customers?
The PAC Innovation RADAR provides an independent assessment of technologies that customers can use to better evaluate their technology choices. The recognition confirms that PLCnext Technology delivers strengths in areas that are becoming increasingly important across industrial sectors: cybersecurity, Industrial AI, software-defined automation, ecosystem growth, and critical infrastructure readiness.
For customers, this means:
- Confidence in a platform that has been independently evaluated by industry analysts
- Reduced risk when investing in long-term automation strategies
- Access to certified cybersecurity capabilities that support compliance requirements
- Flexibility through an open ecosystem and growing partner network
- A future-ready foundation for Industrial AI and software-defined automation concepts
In short, the recognition is not just about PLCnext Technology. It provides external validation that customers are investing in a platform designed to address both today’s operational requirements and tomorrow’s industrial challenges.
Looking Ahead
Industrial automation is evolving rapidly. According to PAC, future growth will be driven by Industrial AI, software-defined automation, virtualization, and the ability to manage increasingly complex industrial edge environments.
PLCnext Technology was not recognized simply for being open. PAC identifies the ecosystem as a leading enabler of secure, software-defined, and AI-driven automation, particularly for energy and industrial applications. The combination of certified cybersecurity, real-time capabilities, Industrial AI, a growing ecosystem, and a clear vision for the All Electric Society positions PLCnext Technology among Europe’s leading Industrial Edge platforms.
And for customers, that means having a trusted platform that is ready for the next generation of industrial innovation.
