How to Install Teamcenter License: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a license for Teamcenter, Siemens’ powerful PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software, is a critical first step before beginning any development or deployment work. Whether you’re setting up a new environment or updating an existing one, getting the licensing right ensures smooth operation and compliance.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of installing a Teamcenter license on a Windows or Linux server.

🧰 Prerequisites

Before installing the license, make sure you have:

Teamcenter License File (usually .lic or .txt) provided by Siemens.
License Server: Usually FLEXlm (FlexNet Publisher) or Siemens’ SPLM License Server.
Teamcenter installation media or already installed software.
Administrative privileges on your server.

🔧 Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Obtain the License File

After purchasing Teamcenter, Siemens provides a license file via email or through their support portal (GTAC). Save this file in a known directory (e.g., C:\Siemens\Licensing or /opt/Siemens/Licensing/).

🔍 Tip: The license file includes a MAC address. Make sure it matches your server’s MAC address, or the license won’t validate.

Step 2: Install the SPLM License Server

If you haven’t installed the Siemens License Server yet:

Download the SPLM License Server from Siemens’ official site or installation DVD.
Run the installer:
- On Windows: Use the .exe installer.
- On Linux: Extract and run the shell script (e.g., install.sh).
Follow the prompts and choose the directory for installation.

Step 3: Place the License File

Copy your .lic file to the license server directory. Common locations:

Windows: C:\Program Files\Siemens\PLMLicenseServer\
Linux: /usr/Siemens/PLMLicenseServer/

Rename it to something simple, like splm.lic for clarity.

Step 4: Configure the License Server

Open the Siemens License Server UI (on Windows) or edit the config file (Linux).
Browse to and select your license file (splm.lic).
Make sure the service is set to start automatically.

💡 On Linux, you might need to edit license.dat or update lmtools config manually.

Step 5: Start the License Server

Windows:
- Open LMTOOLS Utility.
- Go to the Start/Stop/Reread tab.
- Click Start Server.
Linux:

bash

CopyEdit

./lmgrd -c splm.lic -l logfile.log

✅ A successful startup will show a confirmation message and a running service.

Step 6: Set Environment Variables (Optional but Recommended)

On client machines or the Teamcenter server:

Windows:
- Set system environment variable:

text

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SPLM_LICENSE_SERVER=28000@hostname

Linux:

bash

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export SPLM_LICENSE_SERVER=28000@hostname

Replace hostname with the actual server name or IP where the license server is running.

🧪 Step 7: Test the License

Start a Teamcenter client or utility and confirm it checks out a license. If there’s a licensing issue, check the logs in:

Windows: C:\Program Files\Siemens\PLMLicenseServer\logs\
Linux: Wherever you configured the log file in the lmgrd command

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips

“License server not found”: Check firewall settings and ensure port 28000 is open.
“License expired”: Validate the license file issue date.
“Invalid host ID”: MAC address in the license file doesn’t match your server.

🔚 Conclusion

Installing and configuring a Teamcenter license may seem technical, but once it’s done, it paves the way for a stable, fully functional PLM environment. Always back up your license file and verify all host information before installing.

Need help? Siemens GTAC Support is an excellent resource, or you can reach out to your system administrator or PLM consultant.

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