In the past, automation users designing small control systems have been challenged by many requirements to integrate with other connected devices, such as HMIs, additional controllers, networks, business systems, etc. Attempting to meet these system needs, and the inability to meet them with existing technology, forced designers to choose a larger controller than otherwise needed, or a PC-based controller, or even a "green-board" custom controller. Now, controller-technology trends have produced a new option, which is "just right" for many applications.