Interpreting Identical License Numbers Across Multiple License Keys in Automation License Manager

In Siemens Automation License Manager (ALM), seeing the exact same 20-digit number in the 'License number' column across multiple different license keys is standard, legitimate behavior for bundled software deliveries. The 20-digit 'License number' represents the Certificate of License (CoL) tracking number assigned to a commercial sales order or software package (such as a PCS 7 Engineering Toolset or WinCC Redundancy Bundle). When a single commercial bundle delivers multiple software entitlements, all unpacked keys share the same CoL number. Individual license keys remain completely unique through their distinct 32-character hexadecimal License Key strings. Commercial validation should be confirmed with an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Executive Summary

System auditors and maintenance personnel inspecting software assets in Siemens Automation License Manager (ALM) frequently express concern upon discovering that dozens of different license keys—such as Step 7, CFC, SFC, WinCC Engineering, and APL licenses—display the exact same 20-digit number in the 'License number' column. This often prompts suspicion of accidental license duplication, cloned virtual machine artifacts, or counterfeit software. In reality, Siemens structures multi-product software packages under a single Certificate of License (CoL). This guide clarifies the distinction between commercial order numbers, CoL identifiers, and cryptographic license keys within ALM.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The licensing data model in Automation License Manager separates commercial entitlements from cryptographic license validation:
1. The Certificate of License (CoL) Number (20-Digit Identifier):
When an automation suite (e.g., SIMATIC PCS 7 ES Single Station or WinCC Server Redundancy) is purchased, Siemens generates a Certificate of License. The CoL contains a unique 20-digit serial number representing the legal ownership contract. If a bundle contains twelve individual software packages, all twelve licenses are minted under that single legal contract and therefore share the identical 20-digit 'License number'.
2. The Cryptographic License Key (Internal Hexadecimal String):
Each software module requires an independent, cryptographically signed activation token (.ekb file) stored in the hidden AX NF ZZ directory. In ALM, each license entry possesses a unique internal License Key string (visible under License Properties). This key proves individual authorization and prevents unauthorized replication.
3. Legitimate vs. Illegitimate Duplication Indicators:
- Legitimate: Multiple distinct product names (e.g., 'STEP 7', 'CFC', 'SFC') sharing the same 20-digit License Number, each showing status 'OK' with green checkmarks.
- Problematic / Illegitimate: The exact same product name appearing multiple times with identical License Numbers on the same drive without cluster/floating configuration, or license keys showing status 'Corrupted' (yellow/red).

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Inspect License Properties in Automation License Manager:
a. Launch Automation License Manager (Start -> Siemens Automation -> Automation License Manager).
b. In the left navigation pane, select the target drive (e.g., C:).
c. In the main view, locate the licenses displaying identical numbers in the 'License number' column.
d. Right-click any license entry and select 'Properties'.
Compare License Details:
a. Under the 'General' tab, verify that the 'License number' matches your official physical or digital Siemens Certificate of License (CoL) document.
b. Inspect the 'License key' field: confirm that the cryptographic string is unique for each product line.
c. Verify that the 'Product' and 'Version' fields correspond to the purchased software components.
Perform License Integrity Validation:
a. Select all licenses in the ALM table.
b. Click License Key -> Check from the top menu bar.
c. Confirm that ALM returns 'Check successful' for all selected keys, confirming that digital signatures and tamper-detection hashes are intact.
Cross-Reference with Procurement Documentation:
a. Retrieve the Certificate of License PDF from the Online Software Delivery (OSD) portal or physical license envelope.
b. Confirm that the bundled delivery itemizes the exact component licenses currently displayed in ALM.

Verification

In ALM, confirm that the 'State' column for all listed licenses displays 'OK' with a solid green icon.
Open SIMATIC Manager, CFC Editor, and WinCC Explorer sequentially: verify that each application launches smoothly without triggering 'Missing License Key' warning dialogs.
In ALM, select View -> Log: verify that no license tampering or duplicate authorization conflicts are recorded.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Cloning a virtual machine hosting active ALM licenses will replicate the license keys across multiple hypervisor instances, resulting in license duplication violations and eventual key blacklisting. Always transfer licenses back to an official ALM USB stick or network license server before cloning virtual machines.

Engineer FAQ

Why do multiple licenses have the exact same 20-digit license number?

Because they were purchased and delivered together as a single bundled package under one Certificate of License (CoL).

Does having the same license number mean the licenses are duplicated or illegal?

No. As long as each product type is distinct and the license status shows 'OK' (green), sharing a CoL number is completely normal for Siemens software bundles.

What is the difference between License Number and License Key?

The License Number is the 20-digit commercial CoL contract identifier; the License Key is the unique cryptographic token that activates the specific software module.

What should I do if a license displays a red or corrupted status?

Use the 'Restore' function in ALM or contact Siemens Customer Support with your Certificate of License to request a replacement license key.

Where can I find official proof of license ownership?

On the Certificate of License (CoL) document delivered physically in the license pack or digitally via the Siemens Online Software Delivery (OSD) portal.