Dean_F

Here you can find a software for PLC Recipes. It supports Allen Bradley PLCs - http://www.factorydataview.com/plc-recipes/ It uses an Excel file for the recipes and communicate to the PLC through TCP.  It has its own driver so you don't need RSLinx.  It's a cheap alternative comparing to the AB FactoryTalk and has much easier to use interface.  

I've used FactoryDataView and would highly recommend it. It has a data historian package and a reporting module.  Adding tags to a project can be as simple as drag and drop. It browses Rockwell PLCs just like Rockwell's stuff. It uses its own driver to communicate with the PLC.  www.factorydataview.com  -- Dean