[SticksAndBreaks]

PLC Programming is years behind when it comes to software engineering, developing, testing and speed of deployment.

A system that would allow for Change related Issue-tracking on the CAD-files of the controlled machine. A language that would enforce component-class interfaces, thus preventing information duplication. A proofer that validates the resulting DEAs for correctness.

[lithos]

In similar vein a tool that would let you 'play' with hardware functionality/config software without needing to buy it 'simulation on a PC or similar'.

Just having a sane place that list specs for competing products or products that have overlapping functionality would be a help. Sure simple components are standardized by when you start getting to more complex things like protective relays, PLCs, or even breakers it's like companies purposefully fling specs and functionally across 5 sites and 3 PDFs to waste so much time that you don't have time to look at competitors products.