A programmable logic controller is disclosed that filters and presents to a user data that conforms to a hierarchically structured data model. The programmable logic controller through utilization of an input component that receives data and a filter component that filters the data based at least in part on one or more filtering criteria is able to extract data that is relevant to an individual user's needs and/or requirements. The filtering criteria utilized by the filtering component can include passwords and group affiliations as well as the user's biometric and/or anthropometric information. The claimed subject matter further relates to a component that can be utilized to provide a similar filtering functionality with respect to legacy programmable logical controllers, and legacy industrial automation devices.