Allen-Bradley SLC-500 end-of-life: migration to CompactLogix
The SLC 5/05 was discontinued in March 2024. Discover the migration path from SLC-500 to CompactLogix or ControlLogix and what it means for food and packaging installations.
| Model | Manufacturing stopped |
|---|---|
| SLC 5/01 | January 2017 |
| SLC 5/02 | January 2017 |
| SLC 5/03 | August 2018 |
| SLC 5/04 | August 2018 |
| SLC 5/05 | March 2024 |
SLC-500 → CompactLogix or ControlLogix
SLC-500 → CompactLogix (1769-L)
RecommendedMost common choice for small-to-mid installations. CompactLogix offers the same Studio 5000 environment, modern EtherNet/IP communications and sufficient I/O for most SLC-500 installations. Code conversion via Migration Assistant.
SLC-500 → ControlLogix
When the plant already has ControlLogix systems or expansion plans exceed CompactLogix maximum I/O. Higher investment but full continuity with the rest of the ControlLogix installation.
SLC-500 in food processing and packaging
SLC-500 controllers are widely used in food processing and packaging equipment from OEMs such as Multivac, Krones, Sidel and Tetra Pak. The SLC 5/03 and 5/04 were popular in mid-range machines from the late 1990s and 2000s that are still actively running in production.
With the SLC 5/05 discontinuation in 2024, even the "newer" installations now face a clear end. GCG handles SLC-500 migrations in these machine types as part of broader refit projects, keeping the mechanical infrastructure and replacing the controls.
Frequently asked questions about SLC-500 migration
SLC-500 migration: where to start?
We start with a code and I/O inventory to give you a clear migration path and reliable cost estimate for your specific machine type.