SIMIT Software Licensing Architecture, Package Tiers, and Siemens Industry Mall Structure

To procure licenses for the SIMIT Simulation Platform, navigate the Siemens Industry Mall under the product catalog path: Automation Technology -> Process Control Systems -> SIMATIC PCS 7 -> System components -> Simulation -> SIMIT Simulation Platform. SIMIT is structured into three software functional editions: (1) SIMIT Standard (basic device simulation, macro components, and standard couplings); (2) SIMIT Professional (Standard plus Component Type Editor CTE for custom C#/C++ modeling and 3D interfaces); and (3) SIMIT Ultimate (Professional plus advanced co-simulation and Virtual Controller scaling). Furthermore, SIMIT Virtual Controllers (VC) require separate, stackable runtime capacity licenses. All licenses are delivered via Online Software Delivery (OSD) or physical Certificate of License (CoL) managed by Automation License Manager (ALM).

Executive Summary

The SIMIT Simulation Platform is the central simulation and virtual commissioning engine across both Siemens continuous process automation (SIMATIC PCS 7, PCS neo) and factory automation (TIA Portal S7-1500). However, automation managers and procurement specialists frequently struggle to locate and specify SIMIT licenses within the vast Siemens Industry Mall catalog. Confusion regularly arises over the differences between SIMIT software functional editions (Standard, Professional, Ultimate), the separate licensing requirements for SIMIT Virtual Controllers (VCs), and the delivery formats available. This article provides a clear architectural overview of SIMIT licensing packages, defines catalog navigation paths, and establishes commercial procurement boundaries.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The SIMIT licensing architecture is structured into core engineering software editions and modular runtime add-ons:

Core Engineering Software Editions:
- SIMIT Standard: Provides the foundational simulation platform. Includes standard component libraries (drives, valves, transmitters, basic math), chart diagrams, macro modeling, and hardware couplings (such as PRODAVE, OPC DA, and shared memory). Ideal for basic signal-level virtual commissioning.
- SIMIT Professional: Expands Standard by adding the Component Type Editor (CTE). CTE allows engineers to author completely custom simulation components in C++ or C# with proprietary mathematical equations. It also unlocks external behavioral modeling interfaces for kinematic 3D simulation tools (e.g., NX Mechatronics Concept Designer).
- SIMIT Ultimate: The top-tier package for enterprise-scale virtual commissioning. Includes all Professional features plus advanced multi-client co-simulation, shared memory couplings for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test rigs, and automated model generation.
SIMIT Virtual Controller (VC) Runtime Licensing:
- Simulating controller firmware behavior (emulating S7-400, S7-410, or S7-300 controllers without physical hardware) is not included in the base SIMIT software license.
- Engineers must procure separate SIMIT Virtual Controller (VC) licenses. VCs are licensed as stackable capacity packs (e.g., SIMIT VC 1 Controller, SIMIT VC 5 Controllers). Multiple packs can be combined up to a maximum of 64 Virtual Controllers per workstation.
Delivery Formats and ALM Integration:
- Online Software Delivery (OSD): Electronic software and license transfer via download; software and keys appear instantly in the customer's OSD account for download into Automation License Manager (ALM).
- Package Delivery (CoL / USB): Physical delivery containing software installation media (DVD/USB) and a Certificate of License (CoL).
Siemens Industry Mall Catalog Hierarchy: SIMIT is cataloged under Process Control Systems rather than Factory Automation: Automation Technology -> Process Control Systems -> SIMATIC PCS 7 -> System components -> Simulation -> SIMIT Simulation Platform.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Navigate the Siemens Industry Mall and procure the correct SIMIT licenses following this procedure:

Access the Siemens Industry Mall:
- Open your web browser and navigate to the Siemens Industry Mall (mall.industry.siemens.com).
- Log in with your registered corporate enterprise credentials.
Navigate the Product Catalog Tree:
- In the left catalog navigation pane, select Automation Technology.
- Select Process Control Systems -> SIMATIC PCS 7.
- Select System components -> Simulation -> SIMIT Simulation Platform.
- Select the active software version branch (e.g., SIMIT V10.x or SIMIT V11).
Select Engineering Package Tier:
- If custom component programming (CTE) is required, select SIMIT Professional.
- If basic simulation suffices, select SIMIT Standard.
- Choose delivery type: select Download (OSD) for rapid electronic delivery, or Package for physical media.
Add SIMIT Virtual Controller (VC) Licenses:
- In the same catalog folder, navigate to SIMIT Virtual Controller.
- Calculate the number of S7-400 / S7-410 controllers in your plant configuration.
- Add the appropriate quantity of SIMIT VC licenses (e.g., one SIMIT VC 5-pack plus one SIMIT VC 1-pack for 6 controllers).
License Transfer via Automation License Manager (ALM):
- Once ordered, launch ALM on the SIMIT workstation.
- For OSD: select File -> Connect to Online Software Delivery, log in, and drag the floating license keys to local drive C:.
- Launch SIMIT. Confirm that ALM indicates SIMIT licenses are status In Use.

Verification

Verify license validity and capacity activation in SIMIT:

ALM Inventory Inspection: Open Automation License Manager. Confirm that keys for SIMIT Professional (or Standard) and SIMIT Virtual Controller display status OK with zero expiration dates.
SIMIT Help Dialog Audit: Launch SIMIT. Select Help -> About SIMIT. Confirm that the licensed edition (e.g., Professional) is recognized and that Demo Mode banners are absent.
Virtual Controller Coupling Test: Create a new SIMIT project. Add a Virtual Controller coupling. Instantiate the licensed number of VCs. Confirm that SIMIT initializes all controllers without 'License count exceeded' warnings.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never confuse SIMIT Virtual Controller (VC) licenses with SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM Advanced licenses; SIMIT VCs emulate S7-400 and S7-410 controllers for PCS 7, whereas S7-PLCSIM Advanced simulates S7-1500 controllers for TIA Portal. Furthermore, note that SIMIT licenses are floating workstation licenses managed by ALM; running multiple concurrent SIMIT instances across virtual machines requires independent license seats. Final license selection, MLFBs, and pricing must always be officially validated with an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Engineer FAQ

Where is SIMIT located in the Siemens Industry Mall?

SIMIT is located under: Automation Technology -> Process Control Systems -> SIMATIC PCS 7 -> System components -> Simulation -> SIMIT Simulation Platform.

Does SIMIT Standard include Virtual Controller licenses?

No. SIMIT Virtual Controllers (VC) are separate runtime capacity add-ons that must be procured in addition to the base SIMIT software edition.

What is the difference between SIMIT Standard and SIMIT Professional?

SIMIT Professional includes the Component Type Editor (CTE) for authoring custom simulation blocks in C++/C#, as well as 3D simulation interfaces, which are absent in Standard.

What does OSD stand for in Siemens licensing?

OSD stands for Online Software Delivery, which delivers software installers and ALM license keys electronically via internet download.

Can SIMIT run without a license?

SIMIT operates in a restricted 'Demo Mode' without a license, limiting simulations to a maximum of 30 I/O signals and blocking Virtual Controller execution.