Free software is always a good thing with this stuff, but you need to be careful before you purchase a plc, I use some Omeron ZEN programmable timers (mini-plc) and the SW is supposedly free, right! to look and flip Zeros, to develop a new system you need the full version.I used a Schneider twido in the past.Good option as software is free from Schneider. Easy to program and way more functions than apex.
@kenbut Welcome to the club! Why not post a greeting in the meet and greet forum here.