Resolving Inactive Book Back Process Objects Option in SIMATIC PCS 7

The 'Book back process objects' menu option in SIMATIC Manager is context-sensitive and becomes active only when the selection cursor is placed directly on the 'Charts' folder (Pläne) of the target CPU under Component View. If the cursor is positioned on the CPU object, the S7 Program folder, or any hierarchy level in Plant View, the option remains greyed out. Executing this command returns software AS RT PO licenses (6ES7658-2...) from the offline CPU chart container back to the Automation License Manager (ALM) license pool and deletes the offline CFC chart container. Note that hardware System Expansion Card capacity on CPU 410-5H cannot be booked back.

Contextual Navigation Rules for Process Object Booking

In SIMATIC PCS 7 engineering, software Process Objects (AS RT PO) are booked from the local Automation License Manager (ALM) license pool to a specific controller's chart container during CFC compilation or downloading. When decommissioning an automation station, reallocating licenses across plants, or re-engineering an existing project, engineers use the 'Book back process objects' function to return consumed licenses to ALM.

A common engineering hurdle occurs when the menu command Options -> Charts -> Book back process objects appears greyed out and unselectable. This behavior is by design: SIMATIC Manager enforces strict contextual filtering based on the active selection in the project tree. The command is bound exclusively to the Charts folder (Pläne) located within the S7 Program container.

Component View vs Plant View Menu Availability

Understanding the architectural difference between project views explains this context dependency:

Plant View (Technologische Sicht): Represents the physical and functional plant hierarchy (Areas, Units, Equipment Modules). Because a single hierarchy folder can span multiple controllers or contain charts assigned to different CPUs, license booking cannot be executed from Plant View.
Component View (Komponentensicht): Represents the physical hardware and programmatic structure of SIMATIC stations. Within Component View, each S7-400 station contains a specific CPU, an S7 Program container, and an underlying Charts folder. Only the Charts folder represents the isolated compilation boundary where AS PO licenses reside.

Comparison of Object Containers and Menu States

The table below outlines menu availability across various project containers in SIMATIC Manager.

Project ViewSelected Tree ObjectMenu Command PathMenu Status & Operational ActionComponent ViewCharts folder (Pläne)Options -> Charts -> Book back process objectsActive: Opens license return dialog; deletes offline chart containerComponent ViewCPU 410 / CPU 414 / CPU 417Options -> Charts -> Book back process objectsGreyed Out (Inactive): Hardware object cannot execute chart actionsComponent ViewS7 Program containerOptions -> Charts -> Book back process objectsGreyed Out (Inactive): Parent program container is not chart-specificComponent ViewIndividual CFC ChartOptions -> Charts -> Book back process objectsGreyed Out (Inactive): Single chart cannot execute bulk PO deregulationPlant ViewAny Plant Hierarchy FolderOptions -> Charts -> Book back process objectsGreyed Out (Inactive): Hierarchy folders cross CPU boundariesProcess Object ViewAny View TabOptions -> Charts -> Book back process objectsGreyed Out (Inactive): Table editor does not provide license return context

Step-by-Step Procedure to Book Back Process Objects

Follow this step-by-step procedure to successfully deregister process objects and return licenses to ALM:

Switch to Component View:
- In SIMATIC Manager, select View -> Component View (or press Alt + 2).
Navigate to the Target CPU Charts Folder:
- Expand the target AS project: [Project Name] -> [SIMATIC 400 Station] -> [CPU Name] -> [S7 Program] -> Charts.
- Click directly on the Charts folder (Pläne) in the left-hand navigation pane.
Execute Book Back Command:
- Open the menu Options -> Charts -> Book back process objects.
- A confirmation dialog appears warning that returning process objects will deregister the program and delete the offline charts.
- Confirm the prompt. SIMATIC Manager contacts Automation License Manager, transfers the booked PO licenses back to the local drive, and purges the offline chart container.
Verify in Automation License Manager:
- Open Automation License Manager (ALM). Locate license family SIMATIC PCS 7 AS RT PO.
- Confirm that the 'License keys' count has increased by the returned quantity.

Verification

Verify process object booking recovery through the following steps:
1. In Automation License Manager, check license key properties: verify that 'Available' count has increased and 'Used' has decreased.
2. In SIMATIC Manager Component View, verify that the Charts folder under the target CPU is empty or removed.
3. In Process Object View, select View -> Process Objects -> Display booked process objects: verify that booked count is 0 for the selected station.
4. Check the Windows Event Viewer / ALM Log: confirm successful license transfer without communication exceptions.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Booking back process objects permanently deletes the offline CFC chart container from the project! Always perform a complete multiproject archive (File -> Archive) before executing this command to preserve your control logic. Furthermore, this procedure applies exclusively to software-licensed modular controllers (such as CPU 414, CPU 416, CPU 417 using order numbers 6ES7658-2BA00-0YB0 and 6ES7658-2BB00-0YB0). On CPU 410-5H controllers, PO capacity is governed by the physical System Expansion Card (6ES7653-2...), which cannot be returned to ALM.

Engineer FAQ

Does booking back process objects stop the running CPU?

No. Booking back deregisters licenses and deletes charts in the offline engineering database. It does not stop the online CPU. However, subsequent downloads will fail until a new program is compiled and licensed.

Why must the offline charts be deleted when booking back POs?

Siemens licensing integrity requires that a project cannot retain an offline technological program without corresponding booked licenses. Deleting the offline charts guarantees license compliance.

Can I book back POs on a CPU 410-5H controller?

No. On CPU 410-5H, PO capacity is tied permanently to the hardware System Expansion Card (SEC). SEC capacity cannot be transferred to ALM or returned via software menus.