With many teams currently working remotely, do you know how the team is using the EDA software and are there ways to be more efficient?
Historical data and batch reporting are key for decision making. How do engineers use software and tools? Are there particular times when the tools are used more than other times? Are there specific licenses that are used more frequently than others? Does it feel like there are times when there are not enough licenses?
In medium to large organisations network/floating licenses are used as the most cost-effective method for user provision. However, without the use of FlexLM Option files, these licenses are typically available for all to use, on a ‘first come first served’ basis. Engineers are inquisitive in nature and like to test out new features in the tool, looking for efficiency gains in the development process.
Managers need to understand the concurrent use of features, but maybe, more importantly, the spread or heatmap use of tools and features over a week. Having a heatmap and historic reports helps see the usage patterns over time.
Maybe meetings could be modified to get greater license efficiency across the department and avoid buying another 10 licenses? Could project managers work with engineers to use their time most effectively to ensure the best usage of licenses? Could licenses be moved from one server to another? What about how could FlexLM Options files be used for greater efficiency?
License denials are critical to a business. Many companies rush to buy more licenses before analyzing if there is a true need for more licenses. Learn more about how license denials work.
It is also important to understand what the team is NOT using! CAD and development software has been in many companies for over 30 years, with purchases often preceding the current management team. This means that there could have been shifts in staffing changes (number of licenses) and types of tools required.
At TeamEDA we often see companies that have two or more sets of CAE, CAM, CFD, etc. toolsets, where a new development process has superseded the requirement for the original software, but the company lacks the confidence (or even knowledge of existence) to stop paying for these tools.
This is the area where the most money can be saved, understanding usage and proactively managing preferred tools, whilst pruning those that no longer offer value to the company – this is License Asset Management, the strength of our LAMUM product. LAMUM contains the most complete set of reporting tools, either current, historical or batch reporting, many with email alerts.