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Deployment
Topics you need to know before using WinCC OA.
WinCC OA Licensing
Overview of the licensing model used by WinCC OA
WCCOAtoolCMactivation
WCCOAtoolCMactivation is a command-line tool for managing CodeMeter license containers and performing license operations both online and offline with the WinCC OA License Portal.
WCCOAtoolCMactivation - License Handling Offline
Offline operations are performed when there is no access to the License Portal. Container contents are always prepared in the License Portal by project workflow and transferred via file-based operations.

Version Information
Release Notes, Update information, Certifications and Frequently Asked Questions.
Concepts
Your first step into modern and powerful process visualization.
Deployment
Topics you need to know before using WinCC OA.
- Hardware and software requirements for WinCC OA
  This section contains the current hardware and software requirements for various WinCC OA application scenarios. Recommendations are given for practical deployment of WinCC OA depending on the specific application and scale of the project.
- WinCC OA Licensing
  Overview of the licensing model used by WinCC OA
  - Requirements and Installation
  - License Information Panel
  - Runtime Settings
  - WinCC OA License options (Features)
  - WinCC OA Licensing, Further Information
  - Fixed Licensing
  - WCCOAtoolCMactivation
    WCCOAtoolCMactivation is a command-line tool for managing CodeMeter license containers and performing license operations both online and offline with the WinCC OA License Portal.
    - WCCOAtoolCMactivation - Local PC Operations
      Local operations that can be performed on a WinCC OA installation without requiring access to the License Portal.
    - WCCOAtoolCMactivation - License Handling Online
      Online operations require access to the WinCC OA License Portal and are performed when the license portal is reachable by WCCOAtoolCMactivation.
    - WCCOAtoolCMactivation - License Handling Offline
      Offline operations are performed when there is no access to the License Portal. Container contents are always prepared in the License Portal by project workflow and transferred via file-based operations.
    - WCCOAtoolCMactivation - License request for an empty station
    - WCCOAtoolCMactivation - Restore
  - Licensing Errors
  - Licensing CTRL Functions
  - Subscription-based Licensing
    The subscription-based licensing model offers increased flexibility, scalability, and convenience compared to traditional approaches. Users receive access to software for a defined period, with the license automatically renewing upon timely payment. Key advantages include automated management through a secure portal, transparent license information, and proactive notifications. This model supports sustainable operational planning, optimizes resources, and ensures a seamless user experience through uninterrupted updates.
- WinCC OA License Portal
  The SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture License Portal streamlines license management with a modern, user-friendly interface and advanced features, launching in October 2025. This documentation offers comprehensive guidance, support resources, and step-by-step instructions to help users and administrators efficiently manage licenses and access essential materials.
- Installation
  How to properly install WinCC OA.
- Docker Support
  An introduction on how to use WinCC OA within a Docker container, what specifics must be considered and where to find further information on the topic.
- Virtual Environment Support
  WinCC OA is used in very diverse computing environments, some of which are easier managed with the use of a enterprise virtualization software. Due to the good encapsulation and platform independence of WinCC OA, the use on a wide range of current versions of the most common virtualization products is possible. Our extensive, automated tests are provided via Proxmox and VMware(vSphere).
- WinCC OA Product Packaging
  Explains the file structure presented in the configuration bundles as well as some use cases with detailed descriptions
- WinCC OA for Industrial Edge
  With WinCC OA offered as an app for Industrial Edge, WinCC OA brings advanced data processing and integration capabilities directly to edge devices. This enables manufacturers to optimize industrial workflows and improve operational efficiency.
Security
Go beyond the norm in cybersecurity.
Engineering
Powerful tools for easy or complex engineering tasks.
Data Management
Classify, structure and archive your data.
Business Logic / Control
Endless possibilities in data processing for your projects.
Data Visualization
User interfaces, Trends and Reports for every purpose and device.
Southbound Interfaces
The process connection to the actual machines/sensors.
Northbound Interfaces
Your portal to the cloud or supervising systems.
Web Connectivity / Network Interfaces
Data exchange, APIs and web technologies
User Management
All about authorization, authentication and login-customization.
Availability
How to get your system uptime to the maximum.
Reporting
Create state of the art project reports without limits.
Addons
Useful tools and enhancements for special demands.
Reference Tables
Detailed and extensive content for special project adaptation.
Videos & Tutorials
Explore the capabilities of WinCC OA with our carefully selected collection of video tutorials and guides.
Documentation
Basic information about terms and functions within the documentation.
Support & Services
An experienced team of support agents, consultants and trainers are ready to facilitate active partnerships with our customers, so they can profit from our comprehensive service.
Disclaimer
A brief clarification of liability exclusions or legal notices.

WCCOAtoolCMactivation - License Handling Offline

Offline operations are performed when there is no access to the License Portal. Container contents are always prepared in the License Portal by project workflow and transferred via file-based operations.

Offline transfer is done file-based in dedicated steps. Container contents are always prepared in the License Portal by project workflow. When a license project is published (Button "Release Changes"), the result can be transferred to container either by auto-update (online) or via download/file transfer (offline).

Note:

All mentioned operations work also for remote license servers – just amend the

-server
                <IP>

option to each call.

Offline Operation Steps

Prepare container contents in the License Portal. "Release changes" prepares the container updates in the background
On any online PC, call WCCOAtoolCMactivation with -download to retrieve the updates as file
Transfer the update files back to offline station
Import update into container
Create receipt on offline station
Transfer receipt to online PC
Upload receipt to portal

Steps 2, 4, 5, 7 can be done with WCCOAtoolCMactivation.

Offline Operations

Import update file into container (offline)

After downloading and transferring the update file (.rau) to the offline PC, just import it.

WCCOAtoolCMactivation -import -update license-update.rau -serial 130-987654321

Create receipt (offline)

Create a receipt file (.rac) to confirm the license transfer.

WCCOAtoolCMactivation -create -context license-receipt.rac -serial 130-987654321

Complete Offline Workflow Example

Here is a complete example of the offline licensing workflow:

Online PC: Download license update file for container

WCCOAtoolCMactivation -download -update license-update.rau -serial 130-987654321 https://license-portal.example.com/12345-dev/portal

Transfer: Copy license-update.rau file to the offline PC (e.g., via USB drive)

Offline PC: Import the update file

WCCOAtoolCMactivation -import -update license-update.rau -serial 130-987654321

Offline PC: Create receipt file

WCCOAtoolCMactivation -create -context receipt.rac -serial 130-987654321

Transfer: Copy receipt.rac file back to the online PC

Online PC: Upload receipt to confirm the operation

WCCOAtoolCMactivation -confirm -context receipt.rac -serial 130-987654321 https://license-portal.example.com/12345-dev/portal