License Pool
Use a license pool when a SOLIDWORKS PDM vault should manage PDMShell add-in access centrally.
In pool mode, administrators add and activate PDMShell license keys from the vault license manager in standalone Settings > Vault add-in. The vault can then borrow from enabled, activated licenses when users run PDMShell add-in automation.
Do not activate pooled licenses in each user's standalone PDMShell application. Standalone activation is for a single machine. Pooled activation is managed from Settings > Vault add-in > Manage licenses, not the standalone License page.
When To Use A License Pool
Use Vault license pool when:
- Multiple PDM users need access to PDMShell add-in commands.
- A shared vault should control who can use add-in automation.
- You want license access managed centrally for the vault instead of activating a seat on each workstation.
- You want to review active borrows by vault, machine, user, and borrowed time.
How Pool Borrowing Works
When a user runs PDMShell automation from the add-in, the vault checks the enabled, activated licenses in the pool. If a seat is available, the add-in borrows a license for that user and machine.
The Borrowed seats tab in Manage Licenses shows the current pool usage.
Manage Pool Keys
Open standalone Settings > Vault add-in, select the vault, and choose Manage licenses. Sign in with Edit add-ins permission.
From the license manager, administrators can:
- Add one or more PDMShell license keys.
- Enable or disable keys.
- Activate and deactivate keys for pooled vault use.
- Delete keys from the vault license list.
- Review active pool borrows.
When Not To Use A Pool
A pool may not be necessary when only one administrator runs PDMShell automation from a workstation that already has an activated local license. In that case, use a Machine License.