This guide explains how to install and commission a TIA Portal Multiuser Engineering environment. The Multiuser Engineering Server is installed on a Windows 11 virtual machine running on a VMware server.

The installation and commissioning process is divided into three main phases: virtual machine preparation, server software installation, and project creation and usage.

1. Virtual Machine Preparation

1. Run Windows Update
2. Network Settings: Configure a static IP address for the virtual machine.
3. Firewall Rules: Create firewall rules that allow TIA Portal Multiuser traffic.
4. User Accounts: Create a user account with administrator privileges, which will be used for the server software installation and maintenance.

2. Multiuser Server Software Installation

1. Obtain TIA Portal installation media: You will need the TIA Portal installation media, which includes the Multiuser Engineering Server component. The installation package is downloaded from the Siemens website.
2. Start the installation: Run the TIA Portal installation program as an administrator on the virtual machine.
3. Select installation components: During installation, select "TIA Portal Multiuser Engineering Server" to be installed. The full TIA Portal development environment (e.g., STEP 7 or WinCC) does not need to be installed on the server machine if the machine is used only as a Multiuser server.
4. Finalize the installation: Follow the steps of the installation wizard, accept the license terms, and select the installation folder.
5. Start the Multiuser Server: Start the TIA Portal Multiuser Server Administration application. This application is used to manage the server and its projects.

3. Server and Project Usage

1. Create a project: Open TIA Portal on your computer and create a new project. The "Multiuser" function is available from the TIA Portal top menu.
2. Select the server: Select the "Go Online to Server" function and enter the virtual machine's IP address. This establishes a connection to the server.
3. Project Sharing: Once connected, the project can be shared with other users. Select "Share Project" and save the project to the server.
4. Collaboration: Other users can now open and work on the same project simultaneously. Each user creates a local version ("Local session") of the project. Changes made in the local version can be synchronized to the server using the "Check in" function. Similarly, other users' changes can be updated to the local version with the "Update" function.