On top of my wish list is that all PLC companies fix their programming and networking software and make it affordable (AB, Siemens, Schneider in particular).
Vista has been around for it seems like ever now and many manufacturers are just getting around to making the software Vista compatable. Why?? Others have been Vista compatable for 12-18 months or more. Cannot buy XP-Pro anymore - have had to use Virtual Box running XP-Pro for many programs - works but a pain because manufacturers are too lazy/lousy to get off their backsides and fix the software. I am running Vista on everything now and like it. Runs better and faster than XP-Pro in my view and has lots of good diagnostics hidden away as to problem programs, why the computer is slow to start (problem programs) or shut down - you just have to find them. Turn off UAC and all is good. Running Vista Business - the lower ones are really not much good for networking and Ultimate is a rip off in my view for very little benefit.
I absolutely hate it when you develop a project and the programming software dumps a heap of files all over your hard drive. Good software is available that does not do this. Omron CX-Programmer saves only 2 files for a multitude of PLCs in a project - 1 for the GPI and how you want it to behave and the other file saves all the PLC programs, documentation, symbols etc. For example, I have a project for a power station where there are 9 PLCs, many with remote I/O, and all are networked peer to peer and back to a Citect SCADA system, and all PLC programs, symbols, comments etc are stored in 2 files. 1 file is only 28k and the file that holds ALL the PLC stuff including comments and everything else is only just over 500k!!! It can be done.
Just waiting for Omron to do the same thing with the screen software although each screen program at least stores 1 file in the mother directory and the rest in a sub directory. I guess it is a bit more difficult as invariably there are graphic files (bmp, gif etc) to save separately. However, one can hope.
Cost of software from some companies is exorbitant!! For a complete set of Omron software, networking, motion control, HMI, everything costs me $2500 AU trade price.
The last time I spoke to Schneider it was over $11000 AU, AB was about $15000 plus AU, Siemens was no better. WHY??? And do not give me all the nonsense about different divisions selling to each other and having to make money - that I consider to be an absolute load of rubbish. Omron work the same way I am sure and still keep the whole package that will support all but the very oldest PLCs from late 80's and early 90's at a reasonable cost. Major upgrades usually cost one off about $700 AU and all updates for each major revision are updated online at no extra cost, although that may change - who knows. Reasonable price.
Also high on the wishlist is that all manufacturers properly write and test EDS etc files. Unlike other manufacturers, Omron stick strictly to the guidlines and rules for each protocol. For example, you require an EDS file for Ethernet I/P and Device Net - no generic file is provided. While a generic file is probably handy, the rules are that each device should have a properly written and tested EDS file - the same file is used with Ethernet I/P, Device Net and probably with CompoNet in the future as products are developed for that absolutely excellent remote I/O system - beats Device Net and Profibus hands down in my view. Invariably the EDS file does not work - an absolute pain when that happens. STICK TO THE RULES and we will all be happy.