Designcenter X NX value-based licensing: A guide for machine builders and part manufacturers

When you’re designing and building complex machinery and parts, every engineering decision impacts your bottom line. 

Your CAD software needs to support the entire product development lifecycle from initial concept and design to manufacturing and assembly. 

Investing in comprehensive software capabilities shouldn’t mean paying for features you only use occasionally. 

That’s where NX value-based licensing comes in. It’s designed to match the way modern machine builders and equipment manufacturers operate. 

What is value-based licensing for Designcenter X NX CAD? 

Value-based licensing is a modern approach to software access that directly connects costs to actual usage. Instead of traditional “all-or-nothing” software licenses, this intelligent system gives users access to the capabilities they need at any given time. 

When an engineer opens Designcenter X NX to work on mechanical design, the company only pays for those core features. When they need to perform advanced simulations or create complex assembly instructions, the system automatically adjusts to provide access to those advanced capabilities. 

Value-based licensing works on a token system

The system operates through a sophisticated token system running in the background. Different Designcenter X NX features are assigned different token values based on their complexity and value. 

Basic operations like part modeling or assembly design require fewer tokens while advanced capabilities like motion simulation, FEA analysis, or automated manufacturing planning use more. 

For example, if your team primarily focuses on mechanical design but occasionally needs advanced simulation capabilities for specialized projects, you’re no longer forced to purchase expensive permanent licenses for these advanced features. Instead, you maintain access to your core design features through standard licensing while using tokens for periodic advanced operations. 

This means your software investment directly aligns with your engineering and manufacturing activities, whether you’re designing custom machinery, developing new parts lines or engineering complex manufacturing systems. 

The benefits of Designcenter X NX value-based licensing for machine builders and parts makers

NX value-based licensing can give machine builders and part manufacturers an edge in earning new business, accelerating design and production processes and becoming more cost-competitive. These benefits impact the entire business. 

• Smart financial management: Managing development costs is crucial for industrial machinery. Value-based licensing works like a smart resource allocation system. You only pay for capabilities when they drive value. This means you can take on that complex automation project requiring advanced features without committing to expensive permanent licenses. Your software costs become directly tied to your project needs, and the reduced upfront investment keeps capital available for other critical business investments. 
• Enhanced engineering efficiency: Imagine having all the engineering tools you need exactly when you need it. When a design needs quick validation or a design modification requires specialized analysis, there’s no delay in accessing these features. Your engineering team can seamlessly transition from basic design work to complex simulation and more, keeping your development process flowing smoothly. 
• Competitive edge: In today’s demanding machinery market, the ability to innovate quickly and efficiently sets you apart. With value-based licensing, you can confidently take on diverse projects knowing you can access advanced Designcenter X NX capabilities when needed. Whether it’s a complex automated system requiring sophisticated motion analysis or a custom machine needing advanced manufacturing validation, you’re equipped to handle these challenges without the burden of long-term licensing commitments. 

Future-ready development with affordable scalability 

Just as manufacturing technology continues to evolve, Designcenter X NX keeps advancing with new capabilities. Value-based licensing lets you evaluate these new features in real development scenarios before making long-term investments. And as the business grows, the licensing seamlessly scales with you, whether that’s expanding the engineering team, adding new product lines or entering new markets. 

Streamlined project management

Value-based license management is like a software command center. Management gets clear visibility into which features are driving value in the development process. These insights allow for more informed decisions about future investments, accurate budgets for projects, and effective software cost allocation. Simplified administration means less time managing licenses and more time focusing on innovation and product development. 

Invaluable tool for industrial machine builders and equipment manufacturers

Value-based licensing transforms Designcenter X NX from a fixed overhead cost into a dynamic tool that adapts to your needs. In an industry where innovation and efficiency are paramount, this flexibility is invaluable to industrial machine builders and equipment manufacturers. 

The system’s combination of licensing options provides the agility modern manufacturers need while ensuring predictable costs. Whether you’re a specialized machine builder or a large parts manufacturer, NX value-based licensing offers a practical solution that scales with your business. 

Learn more about value-based licensing here. 

Or contact your Siemens representative for a personalized assessment of how value-based licensing can work for your specific needs. They can analyze your current development processes, understand your growth plans and help develop a licensing strategy that maximizes your return on investment while minimizing upfront costs.