This article explains how Station-Based Licensing is enforced in Next Plus today.
Nothing new was added, and no license terms were changed. The system now applies the existing rules in a clearer and more consistent way.
What Changed
Station-Based Licensing has always existed in Next Plus.
What changed is how strictly and consistently it is applied.
In the past, stations were counted but enforcement was flexible.
Today, station rules are checked automatically during login, so behaviour is clear and predictable for everyone.
What We Mean by a “Station”
A station represents a work position on the shop floor.
Behind the scenes, a station is identified by the browser:
It is created automatically on first access
It is stored in the browser
No hardware or device identification is used
This means:
Different browsers are treated as different stations
Incognito mode creates a new station
Clearing browser data creates a new station
This behaviour is intentional and consistent.
Who Is Affected by Station Enforcement
Regular Users
Regular users are not affected by station enforcement.
They can log in from any device or location as before.
Station-Based Users
Station-based users:
Can log in from any approved station
Cannot log in from stations that are pending or declined
Are subject to one active user per station at a time
Station-based users are not tied to a specific station.
They can move freely between approved stations.
What Happens When a New Station Is Used
When someone logs in from a new station:
The station appears as pending
The user can request approval from an administrator
Until approval, station-based users cannot continue
The request is created automatically. No manual setup is required.
Some Takeaways
One User per Station
Only one station-based user can be active on a station at the same time.
If another station-based user tries to log in:
A familiar disconnect message appears
One session can replace the other
This helps prevent shared terminals from being used by multiple users simultaneously.
Visibility and History
All station actions are recorded:
When a station was requested
Who approved or declined it
When its status changed
This gives administrators full visibility without extra configuration.
Existing Customers
For existing environments:
The change is introduced gradually
A transition period is provided
Daily work can continue without interruption
Once the transition is complete, station usage behaves exactly as originally intended.
What This Change Does Not Do
It does not add a new license type
It does not change pricing
It does not limit regular users
It does not lock usage to specific hardware
This is an enforcement improvement only.
In Summary
Station licensing already existed
Enforcement is now clearer and more consistent
Station-based users can use any approved station
One active user per station is enforced
Administrators have better visibility and control
The result is simpler behavior, fewer surprises, and station usage that matches real production workflows.