I doubt if there is a simple answer to this question :}

 

If you are one of the thousands of users already familiar with Mach3 and you like VB Script then it might make sense to build on top of that and make use of all the power and complexity built into Mach3.   For example you can easily design new screens with Mach3.  There is a small cost for the Mach3 License. 

 

If you are capable of programming in C++ and would prefer a lower level and more direct approach writing your own app might make sense.   You will need MS Visual Studio 2008 standard version.

 

I hope this helps

TK