Understanding SIMIT Demo Mode Project Opening Restrictions and Commercial Licensing Rules

In Siemens SIMIT Simulation Platform, the error message 'PROJECT COULD NOT BE OPENED This project was created using SIMIT and cannot be opened in SIMIT DEMO' occurs because SIMIT Demo mode strictly enforces a digital signature boundary that prevents opening projects created or saved with a licensed full version, or projects that contain components from licensed simulation libraries. SIMIT Demo mode allows creating and reopening projects only if they were authored on that exact computer in Demo mode without licensed add-ons. If a project is modified with full commercial features or an active ALM key, SIMIT embeds a commercial license marker that locks out Demo mode permanently. Opening such projects requires a valid SIMIT license dongle or ALM license.

Executive Summary

The SIMIT Simulation Platform is widely utilized alongside SIMATIC PCS 7 for software-in-the-loop virtual commissioning, operator training systems (OTS), and digital twin modeling. While Siemens provides a free 'Demo Mode' for evaluation, engineers frequently encounter an impassable barrier: after creating, saving, and closing a simulation model, attempting to reopen the project results in the blocking error 'This project was created using SIMIT and cannot be opened in SIMIT DEMO'. This issue typically arises when an engineer builds a model on a computer with a temporary or floating license and later opens it in Demo mode, or incorporates advanced library elements. This article delineates the architectural restrictions of SIMIT Demo Mode, explains the commercial licensing metadata embedded in project files, and clarifies procurement paths.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

SIMIT Software Architecture, Demo Mode Isolation, and Commercial Licensing Guardrails:

Architecture and Limitations of SIMIT Demo Mode:
SIMIT operates in Demo Mode whenever the software initializes without locating a valid software license or USB hardware dongle.
Operational restrictions in Demo Mode:
1. Runtime Limit: Continuous simulation execution is hardcoded to a maximum of 45 minutes, after which the simulation engine automatically pauses and disconnects couplings.
2. Coupling Restrictions: Limited number of I/O signals and virtual controller connections.
3. Component Libraries: Standard basic components only; FLOWNET, CONTEC, and CHEM-BASIC libraries are locked.
4. Digital Licensing Signature: Demo mode enforces strict cryptographic signatures on project headers.
The Project Header Licensing Signature:
When SIMIT creates or saves a project, it writes an internal metadata block identifying the licensing tier:
- Tier = DEMO: Permitted to be reopened ONLY on the same physical host machine in Demo Mode, or upgraded into a Full version.
- Tier = COMMERCIAL (Standard / Professional / Ultimate): Embedded whenever the project is saved on a machine with an active license.
If a project is created on a PC that had an active license (even temporarily), or if the model incorporated blocks from licensed add-on libraries, SIMIT permanently stamps the project file with Tier = COMMERCIAL.
When SIMIT in Demo Mode attempts to parse this commercial project file, its security guardrail detects the commercial stamp and aborts loading, presenting the error message to protect Siemens intellectual property.
Licensing and Commercial Separation:
SIMIT is licensed independently from SIMATIC PCS 7.
SIMIT V10.x packages include: SIMIT Standard (basic modeling), SIMIT Professional (Virtual Controller coupling), and SIMIT Ultimate (advanced simulation, FLOWNET, and co-simulation APIs).
Virtual Controller instances also require SIMIT Virtual Controller (VC) runtime capacity packs.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Diagnose the Licensing Status of the Target Project:
* Launch SIMIT Simulation Platform.
* Check the bottom status bar or select Help -> About SIMIT.
* If the title bar displays SIMIT Demo, no commercial license is recognized.
* Confirm whether the project was touched by another engineer using a full SIMIT license or created with a floating license that has since been returned.
Validating Project Reopening in True Demo Environments:
* If the project was genuinely created in Demo mode on the same machine:
- Ensure the SIMIT software version matches the version used during creation (e.g. SIMIT V10.2 cannot open V10.3 files).
- Verify that no external add-on library components (FLOWNET, CONTEC) were pasted into the project diagrams.
Restoring Access via Proper SIMIT Licensing:
* To open commercial SIMIT projects, connect the physical SIMIT USB Hardware Dongle or install the floating software license via Automation License Manager (ALM).
* Open ALM; verify that SIMIT Simulation Platform (Standard, Professional, or Ultimate) is active and valid.
* Launch SIMIT; confirm the title bar now displays the licensed edition (e.g. 'SIMIT Professional').
* Open the project; the file will open cleanly with all diagrams, charts, and couplings restored.
Procurement Verification:
* If commercial simulation is required, consult the Siemens ST PCS 7 Catalog or Industry Mall for SIMIT V10.x packages.
* Validate final license quantities and MLFBs with an authorized Siemens distributor.

Verification

Connect the licensed SIMIT USB dongle or activate the ALM license on the workstation.
Launch SIMIT; verify the splash screen and title bar indicate a licensed installation.
Open the previously blocked project; verify that the project tree loads without error dialogs.
Start the simulation; verify that the simulation runs past the 45-minute demo timeout without stopping.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

There is no software utility or workaround to strip a commercial license signature from a SIMIT project to force it to open in Demo mode; once signed with commercial metadata, a full license is permanently required. SIMIT Demo mode is strictly intended for evaluation and cannot be utilized for factory acceptance testing (FAT) or production system validation.

Engineer FAQ

Why does SIMIT Demo say the project cannot be opened in DEMO?

Because the project was saved with a full commercial license or contains licensed library blocks, which Demo mode is prohibited from opening.

How long can a simulation run in SIMIT Demo mode?

SIMIT Demo mode has a strict continuous runtime limit of 45 minutes per session.

Can I open a project created in Demo mode in the full version?

Yes, projects created in Demo mode can be opened and upgraded in the full commercial version of SIMIT.

Can a project saved in the full version be converted back to Demo?

No. Once saved with a commercial license, the project embeds commercial metadata that permanently blocks Demo mode access.

What licenses are available for SIMIT?

SIMIT is available in Standard, Professional, and Ultimate editions, with optional Virtual Controller (VC) and component library packages.

Technical References

Automation License Manager

SIMIT V10

PCS 7 Simulation

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Understanding SIMIT Demo Mode Project Opening Restrictions and Commercial Licensing Rules