Mission-critical license optimization for Aerospace and Defense

Proven engineering software cost reduction that eliminates shelf-ware while maintaining strict ITAR/EAR compliance.

Trusted by the world’s top aerospace and defense leaders


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Why software license management is a mission-critical challenge in Aerospace and Defense

Data benchmarks

Aerospace firms spend over $10M annually on high-performance PLM and CAE tools

R&D divisions manage 50–100+ unique applications across CAD, CAE, CFD, and PLM (Siemens/IDC)

Average idle license rates reach 25–40%, resulting in millions in wasted annual spend

License denial or delayed access cause engineers to lose 1–2 hours weekly, stalling project milestones

70% of firms face vendor audits every 2–3 years, creating significant financial and reputational risk

With engineers spread worldwide, ensuring 24/7 access is a growing challenge

OpenLM supports your Aerospace and Defense toolset

OpenLM offers deep integration with specific toolsets driving the industry, supporting complex concurrent models like FlexLM, DSLS, and RLM.

Design and PLM

Simulation and CAE

Modeling and Systems

Optimization

See all 130+ supported software

OpenLM Platform capabilities for
Defense and Aerospace

Defense budgets are often fixed, but software costs continue to rise. OpenLM moves you from “buying more” to “using better” through data-driven aerospace and defense software license tracking.

Active license harvesting

Automatically reclaim idle licenses from tools like Siemens NX or MATLAB to restore them to the pool.

True utilization visibility

Distinguish between licenses “checked-out” and those actively used to prevent license hoarding.

Zero-denial management

Utilize real-time dashboards to spot and resolve license bottlenecks instantly.

Standardized air-gapped security

We are GDPR Compliant and we have ISO 27001 certification and SOC2 audit for security clearance.

Aerospace and Defense impact

Identify waste and reclaim assets to reduce renewal costs by up to 20%. 

Secure. Air-gapped. Audit-ready.

See why top defense contractors trust OpenLM for Defense industry software license monitoring. Our solution is architeched to meet strict ITAR and NIST standards within your secure firewall.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the best software license management solutions for aerospace and defense companies?
The best solutions are those specifically architected for the security and complexity of the A&D sector. Unlike generic IT asset management tools, specialized solutions like OpenLM offer engineering license management for A&D industry that supports complex concurrent licensing models (like FlexLM/FlexNet) and can function in air-gapped (offline) environments to meet strict security protocols.

It is critical for two main reasons: Cost and Compliance.

  • Cost: A&D companies use extremely expensive engineering software (CATIA, Ansys, etc.). Efficient software license management in Aerospace and Defense prevents millions of dollars in wasted spend on unused “shelf-ware.”
  • Compliance: The industry faces strict audits. Aerospace and defense software license tracking ensures that organizations remain compliant with vendor agreements and government regulations (ITAR/EAR) regarding who accesses sensitive software.

The industry relies heavily on high-performance technical applications, including:

  • CAD/PLM: CATIA, Siemens NX, PTC Creo.
  • Simulation and CAE: Ansys, MSC Nastran, Abaqus.
  • Mathematical modeling: MATLAB, Simulink.
  • Embedded systems: Rational DOORS, Green Hills.

Effective usage analytics for aerospace design and simulation tools are essential to managing these complex application suites.

ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) restrict access to technical data and software to authorized personnel (typically U.S. citizens for ITAR).

This affects license management by requiring:

  • Strict access control: Ensuring only authorized users can pull a license for sensitive software.
  • Data sovereignty: Usage data often cannot leave the secure network (cloud-based monitoring is often prohibited).

Audit trails: Detailed logs of who accessed specific software and when.
OpenLM supports these needs via Defense industry software license monitoring that works inside your secure firewall.

Tools that support A&D must handle “concurrent” or “floating” licenses, which are standard for engineering apps.

  • OpenLM is a leading tool for CAD/CAE license management for aerospace, offering deep visibility into feature-level usage (e.g., distinguishing between a basic CATIA license and an advanced simulation add-on).
  • Other general ITAM tools exist but often lack the specialized parsers for engineering license managers (like FlexNet, DSLS, and RLM) or the ability to harvest idle licenses actively.