Remote and hybrid work have become a normal part of the modern workplace, and engineering teams are no exception. Many organizations are now planning for flexible working arrangements that allow engineers to work from any location.
The FlexNet BORROW function helps make this possible by allowing “floating” server licenses to be temporarily “node-locked” to a specific computer or laptop. This means engineers can continue using their licensed tools even when disconnected from the corporate network.
How License Borrowing Works
FlexNet licensing provides the capability to borrow licenses, but this feature must be activated by your software vendor in the license file. Most vendors include this option at no additional cost—though it often needs to be requested.
You can confirm whether license borrowing is enabled by checking your license file.
Example:
In this example, the license can be borrowed for up to 2880 hours (120 days). If the BORROW parameter is missing, borrowing is disabled.
You can further refine or restrict borrowing permissions using the FlexLM Options file, where syntax rules allow you to control which users or groups can borrow licenses.
Using Borrow Utilities
Most software vendors provide a built-in interface for borrowing licenses through the FlexLM Borrow Utility. For instance, the SolidWorks Network License Manager includes a simple interface that allows users to select the license feature and specify the duration they wish to borrow it for.
Important Notes:
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The computer borrowing the license must first connect to the license server to complete the borrowing transaction.
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To return a license early, the same computer must reconnect to the license server.
You can find vendor-specific instructions here:
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SolidWorks
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AutoCAD and other Autodesk products
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Siemens NX and Solid Edge
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Ansys
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PTC Creo
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ArcGIS
Other Options for Remote Work
While borrowing is convenient, it does reduce flexibility. A borrowed license becomes node-locked, meaning it cannot be shared across users.
Most organizations maintain a license-to-user ratio (for example, 70 licenses for 100 users) to manage costs. When many users need to work remotely, it may be more effective to use a VPN connection to the corporate network.
A VPN allows continued use of floating licenses remotely. However, this approach requires a stable and continuous connection, which may be challenging on public Wi-Fi or unstable networks.
Using LAMUM to Monitor Borrowed Licenses
LAMUM (License Asset Management with Usage Monitoring) provides a centralized dashboard for monitoring all your license servers. It helps administrators track license usage, borrowing patterns, and overall efficiency.
With LAMUM, you can:
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View which users have borrowed licenses and for how long.
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Analyze license ratios to determine if borrowing policies should be modified.
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Record which users are authorized to borrow licenses within the Asset Management module.
For example, the LAMUM dashboard can display user details such as:
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User: smoss
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Workstation: eda5
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License borrowed: 120 hours
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Activation date and duration
This level of visibility allows engineering and IT managers to make informed decisions and maintain compliance with license agreements.
Conclusion
License borrowing through FlexNet or FlexLM is a practical solution for remote and hybrid work environments, allowing engineers to maintain productivity outside the corporate network. However, careful management and visibility are crucial to ensure efficient use of resources.
With LAMUM, organizations gain the insight and control they need to manage borrowed licenses effectively, reduce waste, and support flexible work without compromising compliance.
