The Hexagon landscape: The “state of the union”
Hexagon is a global leader in sensor, software, and autonomous solutions, spanning from the shop floor (Manufacturing Intelligence) to large-scale infrastructure (Asset Lifecycle Intelligence). With such a broad portfolio, organizations often struggle with fragmented licensing silos.
The “cross-division” visibility gap
Whether you are running ESPRIT for CNC programming, MSC Nastran for simulation, or SmartPlant for plant design, each division often uses different licensing technologies. Without a unified tool like OpenLM, IT managers cannot see the “total picture” of their Hexagon spend, leading to redundant seats and inefficient license distribution across global time zones.
The “engineering idle” drain
High-end engineering tools are among the most expensive line items in the IT budget. A common source of waste is the “persistent session”—where a designer or programmer keeps a high-value module (like 5-axis milling or structural simulation) open while attending site meetings or performing data reconciliation. This “license camping” prevents others from working, forcing unnecessary and expensive “safety-buffer” purchases.
Core Hexagon platforms supported
OpenLM provides a unified governance layer for Hexagon’s most critical engineering and manufacturing platforms.
ESPRIT CAM: Maximize machine tool utilization
ESPRIT is a premier CAM system for high-value machining. OpenLM monitors ESPRIT sessions to distinguish between active programming and idle background tasks. This ensures your CNC programmers have immediate access to specialized modules (like Swiss-type or Multi-spindle) when they need to drive machine efficiency.
MSC Licensing Helium: Unit-based simulation control
MSC Software (part of Hexagon) utilizes the MSC Licensing Helium system, built on robust FlexNet technology. It manages high-value simulation tools like Nastran, Adams, and Marc. OpenLM provides native, second-by-second visibility into your MSC unit consumption, helping you balance on-premise solvers with cloud-bursting needs.
Intergraph: Plant design and lifecycle intelligence
Now part of Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence, Intergraph tools (like Smart 3D, PDS, and SmartPlant) are the backbone of industrial plant design. OpenLM supports Intergraph Smart Licensing (ISL) and legacy SPLM, allowing you to track seat utilization and module-specific engagement across massive, multi-year construction projects.
Comprehensive solution framework
The visibility layer (unified monitoring)
Gain a single source of truth for your entire Hexagon estate. OpenLM interfaces with the MSC Helium server, Intergraph Smart Licensing, and the ESPRIT environment to show current check-outs, feature-level usage, and user IDs.
The automation layer (active management)
Move beyond passive observation. OpenLM’s active process monitoring identifies when a Hexagon application is open but the workstation is idle. By identifying these “zombie” sessions, OpenLM can trigger alerts or automated releases, ensuring your high-value engineering seats are always available for active projects.
The intelligence layer (strategic foresight)
Leverage advanced analytics to prepare for your Hexagon renewal. By analyzing Usage Intensity and “True Denials,” you can determine the precise number of MSC units or Intergraph seats your team actually consumes at peak load, giving you the upper hand in contract negotiations.
Technical details: The OpenLM Hexagon integration
OpenLM uses a secure, Broker-based approach to capture high-fidelity data from your Hexagon environment.
- MSC Helium support: OpenLM natively queries the MSC Licensing Helium (FlexNet-based) engine to retrieve real-time unit and seat data.
- Intergraph Smart Licensing (ISL): OpenLM integrates with the ISL API to provide minute-by-minute resolution of your SmartPlant and Smart 3D assets.
- Broker-led precision: The OpenLM Broker is installed on the license server to execute commands locally, ensuring zero data loss and accurate historical auditing.
- ESPRIT tracking: Monitor the esprit.exe process to distinguish between active programming and inactive background sessions.
- Chargeback ready: Automatically align Hexagon software expenses with specific projects or regional cost centers for transparent financial governance.
Strategic ROI and business value
Organizations leveraging OpenLM for Hexagon typically realize a 15–25% reduction in annual software-related waste.
- Procurement support: Use “verifiable usage” data to negotiate your next Hexagon renewal based on actual demand, not headcount.
- Increased engineering velocity: By identifying and reclaiming idle seats, you ensure your high-priority designers and programmers are never blocked.
- Compliance readiness: Maintain a continuous record of seat assignments to ensure geo-compliance and stay within your contractual limits.
