Secure Licensing Solutions Drive Global Expansion for Industrial CAD Software

Industrial automation increasingly relies on sophisticated software tools. These tools require robust protection and flexible licensing. Wibu-Systems provides the critical security framework enabling innovators like PlantStream to scale globally.

PlantStream’s Innovation in Plant Design Software

PlantStream Inc., a Japanese software firm, is transforming plant design. Founded in 2020, it became a wholly-owned Arent subsidiary in 2025. Its 3D CAD system automates complex design tasks. For instance, its automatic pipe routing processes about 1,000 pipes per minute. This efficiency accelerates early engineering phases by up to 75%. The software is gaining traction in oil & gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Its real-time collaboration features streamline entire project workflows.

Global Growth Demands Robust Software Protection

International expansion introduced significant challenges for PlantStream. The company needed to protect its valuable intellectual property from piracy. Moreover, it had to manage licenses across clients with diverse IT policies. Some customers refused on-premises license servers. Others required offline access due to poor connectivity. A one-size-fits-all licensing approach was not feasible for a global clientele.

CodeMeter’s Hybrid Licensing Model

PlantStream selected Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter technology to overcome these hurdles. The solution combines multiple protection and licensing methods:

• AxProtector .NET: This tool encrypts the C# application code. It effectively prevents reverse engineering and unauthorized tampering.
• Hybrid Licensing: The model uses CmCloud for online, instant activation. Conversely, CmActLicense supports file-based, offline usage.
• Automated Operations: CodeMeter License Reporting provides daily feature usage analytics. Integration with ERP and CRM systems automates renewals and invoicing.

Tangible Business Benefits and Future Roadmap

The implementation delivered immediate strategic advantages. Kazuhisa Horita, Customer Success Manager at PlantStream, confirmed the impact. Cloud licensing allowed his team to track feature usage during customer evaluations. This data enabled them to extend demos and optimize the pre-sales process effectively. Looking ahead, PlantStream plans to implement cloud caching. This will maintain seamless offline access for engineers in remote locations.

Expert Commentary on Industrial Software Security

From PLCDCSHUB’s perspective, this case highlights a critical industry trend. Secure, flexible licensing is no longer a luxury but a necessity for industrial software. As solutions like PLC and DCS become more software-defined, protecting IP is paramount. Wibu-Systems’ approach demonstrates how adaptability supports global go-to-market strategies. Tadashi Shiraki of WIBU-SYSTEMS K.K. recognized PlantStream’s disruptive potential early. He emphasized that a strong licensing framework is essential for international success.

Application Scenario: Implementing Secure Licensing

For companies in the industrial automation space considering similar steps:

• Assess Your Distribution Model: Determine the mix of online and offline users in your target markets.
• Protect Your Core IP: Use encryption tools like AxProtector to secure your application binaries.
• Choose a Flexible System: Opt for a licensing platform that supports both cloud and file-based models.
• Integrate with Business Systems: Connect your licensing platform to CRM and ERP for automated management.

Exploring proven solutions is the first step. Discover licensing and security options tailored for control systems on the PLCDCSHUB website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is hybrid licensing important for industrial software?
Hybrid licensing accommodates varying client IT policies and internet connectivity, which is common in global industrial sectors like oil and gas.

How does software protection like AxProtector work?
It encrypts the compiled application code, making it extremely difficult for anyone to decompile, reverse-engineer, or tamper with the software logic.

Can these licensing models integrate with other business software?
Yes, modern systems like CodeMeter can integrate with ERP and CRM platforms to automate license renewal, invoicing, and revenue recognition processes.