How to Add PCS 7 V8.2 OS Process-Object Licenses with Automation License Manager

To increase a PCS 7 V8.2 operator station's process-object capacity, obtain an additional OS RT PO license key and transfer it with Automation License Manager (ALM) to the relevant OS server or OS single-station system. PCS 7 V8.2 treats these as count-relevant licenses, so multiple licensed values add together. For a 1,000-PO license and a verified requirement of 1,080 OS process objects, an additional valid 100-PO key raises capacity to 1,100, subject to the system's station limits.

Confirm the License Shortfall

First distinguish OS process-object licensing from the separate AS RT PO license used for automation-system downloads. In PCS 7 V8.2, an OS RT PO license applies to process objects operated and monitored on an OS server or OS single-station system; it is not required on an OS client. Siemens defines counted process objects and provides a project-level license information display, so confirm the actual OS count and current installed scope before ordering more capacity.

Check the Configured OS Process Objects

Open the multiproject or project in SIMATIC Manager.
Select Tools > PCS 7 License Information.
Select OS process objects and read the configured count shown in Configured license objects.
Compare this count with the applicable installed OS RT PO scope shown by the licensing tools and identify the shortfall.
Confirm the count for the relevant OS server or single-station system. Do not include an OS client as a location that needs its own OS RT PO key.

The exact display depends on the selected project or multiproject. A count from a different selection may not represent the station you intend to license.

Choose the Additional OS RT PO License

PCS 7 V8.2 lists OS RT PO increments of 100, 1,000, and 5,000 PO in its license documentation. Count-relevant license keys add their licensed values together. If the verified configuration requires 1,080 PO and the applicable installed scope is 1,000, one additional 100-PO key gives 1,100 PO of scope. Choose a key that covers the actual shortfall and verify product/version entitlement with Siemens or the license supplier before purchase.

Transfer the License from USB with ALM

Use the Siemens Automation License Manager rather than relying on the license USB remaining connected as the runtime license location.

Insert the Siemens license-key USB into the PC that can run ALM and access the target OS server, or use the supported connected-computer transfer method.
Start Automation License Manager and select View > Manage.
Open the storage location containing the new license key, such as the license-key USB, and the destination storage on the relevant OS server.
Select the OS RT PO license key and drag it from the USB storage location to the target system's license storage. ALM also supports Edit > Cut followed by Edit > Paste.
Wait for ALM to report the transfer complete. Confirm the key and its validity/scope are shown at the destination before removing the USB.
Repeat for each OS server or OS single-station system that requires additional licensed capacity, following the topology-specific PCS 7 instructions.

The V8.2 PC Configuration manual describes these ALM transfer methods and locations. Use the ALM version installed for the PCS 7 environment.

Where the License Must Be Available

The V8.2 licensing manual says OS RT PO keys must be transferred to OS servers or OS single-station systems. It explicitly states that OS clients do not require their own OS RT PO key. PCS 7 V8.2 lists a maximum of 12,000 PO per OS server and 5,000 PO for a single-station system; the applicable project design and station limits still govern the final configuration.

Verify the Added Capacity

After transfer, check ALM on the destination for the OS RT PO key and its validity. Reopen Tools > PCS 7 License Information in SIMATIC Manager and verify that the configured OS object count and licensed scope are consistent. Siemens notes that any shortage is registered and additional licenses are included at the next download. Follow the applicable OS download and Runtime procedures, then confirm the license status on the target station.

Common Licensing Mistakes

Do not confuse OS RT PO with AS RT PO; these apply to different components and tasks.
Do not assume that connecting the USB stick alone permanently licenses the OS server. Transfer the key with ALM and verify its destination.
Do not compare an OS count from one selected project against the license scope for a different OS station.
Do not assume that clients need OS RT PO keys; the V8.2 manual says they do not.
Do not generalize the V8.2 increment sizes or station limits to another PCS 7 release without checking that release's documentation.

Verification

Confirm all three items: the ALM destination contains the additional OS RT PO key, SIMATIC Manager reports the correct configured OS process-object count for the intended project, and the target OS reports adequate licensing after the required project download. If the shortage remains, check that the key is the OS RT PO product, was transferred to the correct station, and provides enough valid scope.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

This procedure is scoped to PCS 7 V8.2. The available ticket does not identify the OS topology, license certificate, target server, or whether the 1,080 figure is the actual OS count or another process-object count. Verify the applicable product name and entitlement on the license certificate and with Siemens or the supplier. For redundant systems or distributed OS projects, confirm the required license placement for each station using the matching PCS 7 V8.2 installation documentation. Preserve licensing records and perform downloads under the site's change-control procedure.

Engineer FAQ

OS process-object capacity is increased with additional OS RT PO keys installed on the OS server or single-station system. In PCS 7 V8.2, count-relevant values add together, and ALM transfers the purchased key from USB storage to the station.

Technical References

Siemens, Licenses and Configuration Limits (V8.2), Installation Manual 03/2016, A5E36187629-AA, §§3.1–3.4 and §4.3. Opened; describes additive count-relevant licenses, OS RT PO placement, the license information display, and V8.2 station limits: https://cache.industry.siemens.com/dl/files/967/109485967/att_878560/v1/ps7lic_en-US_en-US.pdf
Siemens, PCS 7 – PC Configuration (V8.2), Installation Manual 03/2016, A5E36200050-AB, §5.6.2, pp. 100–101. Opened; documents ALM drag-and-drop and cut-and-paste transfer steps: https://cache.industry.siemens.com/dl/files/951/109485951/att_878483/v1/ps7pck_b_en-US.pdf