An input module (44) for an industrial controller (10) is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module (44) is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.