Allen-Bradley PanelView vs Omron NB & NA HMI Cross-Reference
HMI substitution across brands is a size-and-protocol exercise: find the screen class, confirm the PLC driver exists, and budget the screen project as a full rebuild. This page maps the PanelView families to their Omron NB, NS and NA peers.
On the Omron side, be aware of the lifecycle split: the NB series (NB3Q to NB10W) was discontinued, with NB10W production ending in March 2025 — remaining stock is finite. The NA5 series is the current platform, programmed in Sysmac Studio. The NS series sits between them and remains common on CJ/CS installations.
Every brand transition here means rebuilding the screen project. FactoryTalk View, NB-Designer, CX-Designer and Sysmac Studio do not exchange files. The graphics are usually the quick part; the tag database and alarm handling are where the hours go, so export the tag list before starting.
Model mapping
| Competitor model | Omron equivalent class | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| PanelView 600 (5.7 in) | NB7W-TW01B (7 in) | Closest budget class. NB-Designer project; remaining NB stock only. |
| PanelView 800 (8 in) | NB10W-TW01B (10 in) or NS8 | Size gap: the Omron offer steps to 10 in. Cutout differs — measure before ordering. |
| PanelView Plus 700/1000 | NS10 / NS12 (CX-Designer) | Established mid-range peer for CJ/CS systems. |
| PanelView Plus 7 (10 in) | NA5-12W (Sysmac Studio) | Current-generation peer: dual Ethernet, EtherNet/IP and OPC UA tags. |
What we stock on the Omron side
We stock remaining NB7W and NB10W units for direct replacement of installed NB panels, the NA5 range (NA5-7W / 9W / 12W / 15W) for new machines and migrations, and common NS variants. Send the panel label photo and the PLC brand/model and we confirm the driver before you order.
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to an Omron NB HMI today?
For keeping an installed machine running: remaining NB stock — we still hold NB7W and NB10W units, and matching the original model keeps your project file and panel cutout valid. For new machines: the NA5 series, programmed in Sysmac Studio. We can quote either path, including the project conversion effort for the NA5.
Can a PanelView project be converted to an Omron HMI?
No — FactoryTalk View files do not open in NB-Designer, CX-Designer or Sysmac Studio. Rebuild the screens natively and re-enter the tag list. It is routinely a few days of work, not weeks, for a typical machine panel.
Will an Omron HMI talk to a ControlLogix or CompactLogix PLC?
Yes. NB and NS panels ship with Allen-Bradley drivers over EtherNet/IP or serial DF1 depending on the PLC. NA panels connect through EtherNet/IP tagging or OPC UA. Tell us the PLC model and firmware and we will confirm the exact driver path before you order.
My NB10W-TW01B failed — what is the drop-in path?
A remaining-stock NB10W-TW01B is the true drop-in: same cutout, same project. The NA5 successor needs a new cutout, a Sysmac Studio rebuild and a cable review. We stock the NB unit and can quote the NA5 migration side by side so you can choose on downtime, not on guesswork.
Allen-Bradley, PanelView and FactoryTalk are trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc; Omron, CP, CJ, NX, NB, NS, NA, Sysmac, S8VK, S8VS, S8FS, E2B, E2E, E3Z, E3FA, E3X and CP1W are trademarks of Omron Corporation. All trademarks are named for identification and cross-reference purposes only. Hengyixin Automation is an independent distributor, not affiliated with or authorised by any of these manufacturers.