Operating During Outages
Microvellum's SLS (Software Licensing System) is designed to work with consistent internet connection in mind, but in situations where a stable connection is not possible, such as an internet or power outage, it may be helpful to have alternative options to keep one's manufacturing workflow operational.
Session Management for FLA Licenses
- What it is: Sessions are manually determined spans of time wherein one can download a temporary local license that will allow the software to function offline, for a period of up to 7 days at a time.
- How to do it: Checking out a session can be done either in the splash screen that appears when one first opens the software, or in the About Microvellum UI, by clicking the "Session Management" hyperlink at the top right corner of the interface.
- Limits: Checking out a session removes an available seat from your license's pool for the duration of the session. It also requires internet connection for the initial checkout, so one may have issues completing the initial checkout if one is having an outage.
SLA Licenses
- What it is: SLA (Single License Activation) are license types that download a read-only local file onto one's device upon activation, allowing for software usage offline for a limited time.
- Benefits: SLA-type licenses do not lock in response to a loss of connection to the internet. Rather, a simple and automatic 7-day timer will begin to count down until connection is required for re-authentication. This happens automatically without any action on the user end.
- Limits: SLA-type licenses have less flexibility regarding installation, activation, and still require an internet connection for the initial activation. An SLA-type license can only be activated once and needs to be deactivated in order to be moved to another device.
Alternative Sources of Internet Connection
- Mobile Phone Tethering: Many smartphones have a built-in feature that allows one to create a personal Wi-Fi hotspot that devices can connect to. Some carriers offer this as part of their plans, others charge extra. Check the settings of your OS to determine the exact method. (iPhone) (Android)
- Hotspot Device: Mobile internet routers that can be powered on independently and create a backup Wi-Fi network. They often require a cellular plan in order to function.
- Failover Router: A failover router monitors and automatically activates when one's standard network goes down, switching from the standard Wi-Fi network to one powered by LTE.
- Backup Devices: With FLA-type licenses, one can install and activate Microvellum on as many devices as they want, with the only limit being how many can be used at once. As such, having laptops prepared as backup workstations is practical to ensuring one's workflow is not interrupted by outages. Any laptops that meet Microvellum's system requirements are suitable, though Microvellum has created a list of recommended workstations.
Related Articles
Changing Microvellum License Types
This article documents the process of switching between the types of licenses available to clients using Microvellum's SLS (Software Licensing System) and explores the differences in functionality between the different types of Microvellum licenses. ...Common Floating License Connectivity Issues
This document lists common issues reported by users regarding the topic of Microvellum’s Floating License Activation (FLA) and the connectivity required for FLA to function. Firewall Blocking Activation of Floating License Some users have had an ...5-Tips to Streamline Your Engineering Department
Your engineering department plays a vital role in ensuring your production runs smoothly. These five tips will help you improve the efficiencies of your design engineers and drafters. Take the Time to Make It Right As an engineer, you are constantly ...FAQ: Toolbox BSB (BricsCAD)
This FAQ addresses common questions about Toolbox BSB (BricsCAD), including what it is, how it differs from Toolbox OEM, and what users need to know about conversion, licensing, and core features. ………… General Overview What is BricsCAD? BricsCAD is a ...Transitioning from Toolbox OEM to BSB
The process for transitioning your licenses from Toolbox OEM to Toolbox BSB is relatively simple, though once it is fully committed to, it will not be able to be undone. This article will explain the process for transitioning, along with several tips ...
Recent Articles
Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 26.0527
The following release notes apply to the Microvellum Foundation Library build 26.0527. Additions Added new features for the Wood Drawer Box to have reduced sides, sub front, or back. Added 3 new global and subassembly prompts: “Wood Drawer Side ...Microvellum Release Notes | Build 26.1.0529.641
The following release notes apply to Microvellum build 26.1.0529.641. BSB Docking Size Fix An issue was reported to be occurring in Microvellum BSB 2026: when adjusting the size of a docked Microvellum palette, users found that the palette would ...Adding Custom Hinges and Mounting Plates (Foundation Library)
Hinges and mounting plates are classified as hardware items within the Foundation library, and as such, the process for adding hinges and mounting plates does not differ greatly from other pieces of hardware, though with the variety of cabinet ...Apply Render Materials
The Apply Render Materials interface is a Microvellum function that allows one to assign specific render materials to database materials within one’s material library. Using this interface, one can efficiently control and visually align one’s ...Microvellum Release Notes | Build 26.1.0520.641
The following release notes apply to Microvellum build 26.1.0520.641. Assign Render Material A new option has been added to the Library Specification Groups interface: Assign Render Material. This new interface displays the Microvellum material ...