Visual Components License -

Understanding Visual Components Licensing: A Guide for Manufacturing Teams

Choosing the right licensing model for your factory simulation software is just as important as the simulation itself. Whether you are a solo consultant or part of a global enterprise, Visual Components

offers several ways to manage your access to their powerful 3D manufacturing simulation tools. 1. Standalone Licenses Standalone License

is designed for a single user on a specific machine. It is ideal for individuals who don't need to share a pool of seats with others. Key Features

: It is locked to a particular host and requires periodic internet renewal every 90 days. Portability

: You can transfer it to another computer, but you must first deactivate it on the original machine. Offline Use

: For air-gapped or high-security production systems, specific "production licenses" are available that don't require periodic renewal. 2. Network (Floating) Licenses For teams, the Floating Network License

is the most flexible and cost-effective choice. Instead of buying a seat for every user, you buy a pool of licenses that anyone on the network can use. How it Works : A central License Server visual components license

manages the keys. Users "check out" a license when they start the software and "return" it when they close it. Remote Access : Remote workers can access these licenses via a VPN.

: If you need to visit a site with no internet, you can "borrow" a floating license for a set period (typically up to 7 days) for temporary offline work. 3. Credential-Based Licensing (Early Access) With the launch of Visual Components 5.0 VC Accounts

system was introduced. This moves away from product keys in favor of a modern login system. User Benefits

: You simply log in with your credentials. Admins can assign or revoke seats instantly through a dashboard. Flexibility

: You can borrow these licenses for up to 30 days of offline use after the initial login. How to Activate Your License Activation Process varies slightly depending on your setup: User Guide - Installation and Licensing - Visual Components

Visual Components uses a tiered and flexible licensing system designed to scale from single-user workstations to enterprise-level network teams. Whether you are using Essentials, Professional, or Premium versions, managing your access typically happens through their centralized Customer Portal. Core Licensing Types

Visual Components offers several ways to access their manufacturing simulation tools depending on your team size and connectivity: Standalone License (Product Key): Best for individual users on a single machine. The Future of Visual Components Licensing (2025 and

Activated using a unique product key during the software startup process. Floating Network License:

Ideal for teams. Licenses are stored on a central network server.

Users "check out" a license when they start the software and return it when they finish.

Supports remote work via VPN and allows borrowing for offline use for up to 7 days. VC Accounts (Credential-Based):

A newer, web-based entitlement system (starting in version 5.0) that uses email logins instead of product keys.

Allows borrowing licenses for offline use for up to 30 days. Evaluation License: A time-limited key for testing software features.

Note: These cannot be deactivated or transferred once they are activated on a machine. Activation & Management Usage-based licensing: Pay per simulation hour (for sporadic

Managing these licenses varies slightly based on your internet connectivity: User Guide - Installation and Licensing - Visual Components

The Future of Visual Components Licensing (2025 and beyond)

Visual Components has hinted at moving towards a cloud-hybrid license model. Upcoming changes include:

• Usage-based licensing: Pay per simulation hour (for sporadic users).
• Module-based a la carte: Buy just the Robot OLP module without paying for layout tools.
• Enhanced token system: One token per hour of simulation, rather than annual seats.

If you are considering a large purchase today, ask your reseller if they offer a “trade-up guarantee” to future token-based licensing.

The "Model and Property Release" Blind Spot

You can have a valid license for a photo, but if the person in the photo didn't sign a release, you cannot use their face for a testimonial or to imply they use your product.

• Licensed: The copyright is cleared.
• Not cleared: The right of publicity.

When downloading from Unsplash or Pexels (CC0), the platform disclaims liability for releases. A photo of a child in a park is legally dangerous to use for a daycare website without a signed guardian release form.

Troubleshooting & support tips

• Validate network connectivity and time sync for license checkouts.
• Keep vendor support contact and license file backup in a secure but accessible place.
• Track error codes from license manager and consult vendor KB for common fixes (e.g., port conflicts, host ID mismatches).
• For cloud licenses, confirm account permissions and that corporate proxies are not blocking service endpoints.

Real-World Use Cases Requiring a Specific License

• Case A: Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Needs to program 6 DOF welding robots offline. Required: Professional license.
• Case B: Warehouse Conveyor Designer – Needs to simulate throughput of 10,000 parcels/hour. Required: Premium license (for DES engine).
• Case C: University Lab – Teaching basic automation. Required: Educator license (free or heavily discounted).
• Case D: Machine Builder – Demo a packaging line to a client. Required: Demo license or Essentials (to create visual assets).

License Borrowing for Remote Work

Post-pandemic, "license borrowing" became essential. Visual Components network licenses allow users to "check out" a license for a defined period (1 to 30 days) to a laptop.

How to borrow:

1. Connect to the corporate VPN.
2. Open Visual Components → Help → License Borrowing.
3. Select duration.
4. Disconnect from the internet.

Warning: Borrowed licenses count against your pool. If five engineers borrow licenses for two weeks, your office team has zero licenses. Administer this via the RLM web interface.