After the Audit: True-Up and Implementing Autodesk License Corrections
You’ve closed the Autodesk audit — congratulations on reaching the finish line. Now comes the part that actually keeps you compliant: executing the settlement.
The audit might be over, but your work isn’t done. In fact, compliance truly begins after signing the agreement.
This phase, often called the “true-up,” is where you fulfill the terms you negotiated. It’s the crucial bridge between settlement and sustained compliance. Read our comprehensive guide to Autodesk Audit Settlement & Aftermath: How to Navigate Post-Audit Outcomes.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a practical post-audit playbook to help you deploy new licenses, clean up installations, verify everything, and prevent future headaches. Consider this your checklist to ensure the audit stays resolved for good.
Turning Settlement into Action
Settling an Autodesk audit is a relief. You’ve negotiated what needs to be done — now it’s time to do it. Think of this phase as turning all those promises and purchase orders into reality.
It’s standard for every audit to end with a cleanup phase; what sets successful teams apart is how well they execute it. By promptly following through on true-up tasks, you demonstrate good faith and effectively close the audit chapter.
What exactly is a “true-up”? In licensing terms, true-up means bringing your software licenses up to the correct count. In practice, it usually involves purchasing the proper number of Autodesk licenses to cover any shortfall and removing any unlicensed software from your systems.
The settlement agreement you signed should spell out the details — specific products, quantities, deadlines, and any special conditions. Your job now is to fulfill those terms to the letter.
The mindset: Treat the post-audit phase as an extension of the audit process, not an afterthought. Autodesk’s compliance team will expect timely action.
This isn’t a punishment phase; it’s an opportunity to put your company on a solid footing. Lightly pat yourself on the back for resolving the audit, but stay focused — the next few weeks are critical for making sure every requirement is met.
Procuring the Agreed Licenses
One of the first tasks is buying the licenses you agreed to purchase.
This step is straightforward but must be done correctly and quickly:
- Review the Settlement Document: Start by re-reading the settlement or license compliance agreement. Identify exactly which Autodesk products and how many seats you need to purchase. Note any timeline (e.g., “within 30 days of signing”) and whether the purchase must be made through Autodesk directly or a specific channel. Many Autodesk settlements require buying directly from Autodesk or an authorized partner to ensure compliance and tracking.
- Place the Order Promptly: Don’t wait until the last minute. Initiate the purchasing process as soon as possible. Pro Tip: Fulfilling the purchase quickly shows good faith and avoids any follow-up pressure from Autodesk. It also gives you buffer time in case of any procurement hiccups. If your internal procurement or finance procedures take time (approvals, new vendor setup, etc.), kick those off immediately.
- Match the SKUs and Terms: Ensure the exact stock-keeping units (SKUs) and license terms match what was agreed upon. If the settlement specifies a certain edition or suite (e.g., Autodesk AEC Collection or specific products like AutoCAD, Revit, etc.), purchase those exact items. Pro Tip: If your settlement includes multi-year subscriptions or maintenance plans, clarify the renewal terms upfront. You might have committed to a three-year license as part of the deal — know when it renews or expires so you’re not caught off guard next year. Confirm whether you need to pay for the full term now or annually.
- Verify Licenses in Autodesk Account: After purchasing, ensure the new licenses appear in your Autodesk Account (the online portal where your organization’s Autodesk subscriptions are managed). Once Autodesk processes your order, the licenses should be assigned to your company’s account, ready to deploy. Save all purchase documentation – quotes, invoices, order confirmations – in your compliance records. These documents are proof that you bought the required licenses.
- Meet the Deadline: If the agreement gave you 30 days (a common clause) or another specific timeframe, make sure all licenses are purchased within that window. Mark the date on your calendar and follow up with Autodesk or the reseller if anything is delayed. Missing a purchase deadline could breach your settlement, so this is priority number one.
(Pro Tip: If the quantity you purchased now exceeds your current need, that’s okay – you’re now licensed for future growth. It’s better to have a few spare licenses ready for the next project than to risk falling out of compliance again.)
What happens if negotiations fail? – When Autodesk Audit Negotiations Fail: Legal Options and Risks.
Deploying and Confirming Compliance
With new licenses in hand, the next step is to get your environment in order.
This means assigning those licenses appropriately and removing any remnants of unlicensed usage. Think of it as spring cleaning for your Autodesk installations:
- Assign New Licenses to Users/Devices: For Autodesk’s current subscription model, you’ll likely assign each new license to a named user via Autodesk Account. Work with your IT admins to allocate these licenses to the correct employees or teams that need them. If you were previously sharing one license among multiple users (an issue that might have led to the audit), now’s the time to give each user their own proper license. Ensure everyone who uses Autodesk software has an active subscription or seat assigned.
- Install or Update Software as Needed: If part of your true-up involved purchasing licenses for a newer version or product, proceed to install them on the required machines. Conversely, uninstall any unauthorized or excess installations that were identified in the audit. This includes old versions not covered by your new licenses, as well as any Autodesk software you decided not to purchase and regularize. Even if the settlement didn’t explicitly say to uninstall certain copies, it’s wise to remove any software you don’t have a license for. This eliminates doubt and risk in the future. (FAQ: Do we have to uninstall old versions? Answer: Yes – if they’re not properly licensed or not needed, removing them is a smart move for risk control.)
- Re-run an Inventory Scan: To validate that everything is now compliant, perform a fresh internal audit of your Autodesk installations. Autodesk likely had you run a tool or script during the official audit (like the Autodesk Inventory Utility or similar). You can use the same tool or another software asset management tool to scan all computers for Autodesk products. With your new licenses assigned and all unauthorized copies removed, the scan should come up clean – meaning every installation found is properly licensed. Document this result. For example, one company re-ran Autodesk’s inventory tool after deploying the new licenses and saved the clean report as proof. This extra step paid off when Autodesk checked back a few months later – they had evidence on hand that their environment was fully compliant.
- Capture Proof of Compliance: Treat this like an internal mini-audit. Take screenshots of your Autodesk Account showing the new licenses and their assigned users. Export a list of all installations from your scan and cross-check it against your license entitlements. If you uninstalled software, keep logs or records of those actions (many uninstallers can generate reports, or IT can sign off that “Product X was removed from Machine Y on Date Z”). By creating an evidence trail now, you’ll be ready if Autodesk (or any vendor) asks for confirmation later. It’s rare, but sometimes Autodesk might follow up post-settlement to ensure you completed the tasks. If you have a folder of documentation ready, you can quickly satisfy those questions.
- Make Sure Users Know: Communicate to your end-users or engineering teams about any changes. If you removed some outdated software or changed how licenses are assigned, let the relevant parties know to avoid confusion. The last thing you want is someone reinstalling an old unauthorized version because they weren’t aware of the new compliance measures. A brief note explaining that “we’ve updated our Autodesk licenses and software to comply with our agreements” can instill a culture of compliance within the team.
Policy & Process Changes
An Autodesk audit often shines a light on process gaps that led to non-compliance. Now that you’ve cleaned up, it’s the perfect time to strengthen your internal controls to prevent future issues.
Every audit reveals a weak link – fix it now while the pain (and lessons) are fresh.
Here are some policy and process improvements to consider:
- Centralize License Tracking: If you haven’t already, establish a single source of truth for all Autodesk licenses you own and who is using them. This could be a dedicated Software Asset Management (SAM) tool, a module in your IT management system, or even a well-maintained spreadsheet or internal database. Record details like purchase dates, quantities, Autodesk contract numbers, and which users or machines have each license. Pro Tip: Good records are cheaper than a second audit. By knowing your license position at any time, you can quickly spot if you’re nearing your limits.
- Enforce Approval for New Software: Implement an approval workflow for any Autodesk software installation. For instance, require that only IT or authorized admins install Autodesk products, and only after verifying a license is available. This stops well-meaning employees from downloading a trial or using a buddy’s installer on their own. You might use tools that prevent software installation without approval, or at least require managers to request licenses through a service portal.
- Restrict Admin Rights: One practical way to enforce the above is to limit administrative privileges on user machines. If users can’t install software themselves, they’ll have to go through IT, giving you a chance to catch unlicensed installs before they happen. Many companies lock down PCs and use software deployment tools to control what gets installed.
- Regular Self-Audits: Schedule periodic internal audits of Autodesk software (and really all critical software). For example, do a license compliance check quarterly or biannually. This could be as simple as running the Autodesk inventory tool every few months and comparing against your license count. Catching an over-install or unauthorized copy internally means you can true-up on your terms, not under audit pressure. Pro Tip: Make internal compliance checks part of your routine – it keeps the environment clean and your team prepared.
- Update Policies & Training: Revise your company’s IT usage policy to include clear language on software licensing compliance. Make sure employees know that using unlicensed software is against company policy. Provide a short training or memo to relevant teams (especially those likely to use Autodesk products) about how to request new software properly. Often, audits happen because people weren’t aware of the rules or the process to get what they needed. Education can close that gap.
By implementing these process fixes, you’re not just cleaning up the past; you’re building a stronger defense for the future.
Management is likely very attentive to compliance now (nobody wants a repeat audit), so use this moment to get buy-in for any tools or policy changes you need. An investment in a SAM tool or a training program now is minor compared to the cost and stress of another audit later.
How does an audit settlement agreement look? – Autodesk Audit Settlement Agreements: Key Clauses & Future Compliance.
Letter of Undertaking (LOU) and Final Compliance Confirmation
As the final step of most audit settlements, Autodesk may require a Letter of Undertaking (LOU) or a similar compliance certification letter.
This is basically a formal letter on your company letterhead, signed by a responsible officer, confirming that you’ve completed the required actions and will maintain compliance.
Handling this correctly helps close out the audit officially:
- Keep it Factual and Concise: The LOU isn’t a storytelling exercise. It should briefly state that you have fulfilled the settlement terms. For example: “As of [Date], [Your Company] has purchased the required Autodesk licenses as per the settlement agreement dated [Date], and has removed all unlicensed Autodesk software identified during the audit. We affirm that our organization is now in compliance with all Autodesk license requirements.” Stick to the facts of what was done. Avoid any extra commentary or promises beyond what’s necessary.
- Have the Right Person Sign It: Typically, the letter is signed by a senior company official – often someone in legal, a director of IT, a compliance officer, or even a C-level executive. Check if the settlement specifies who should sign (e.g., “an officer of the company”). That person is attesting to compliance, so ensure they are fully briefed on the steps taken. It’s wise to have your legal department or counsel review the letter’s wording before sending, to make sure it aligns with the settlement obligations and doesn’t overcommit.
- List the Completed Actions: Bullet out the key items for clarity, if appropriate. For instance:
- Purchased X licenses of Autodesk [Product] on [Date].
- Installed licenses and assigned to users via Autodesk Account.
- Uninstalled all non-compliant copies by [Date].
- Updated internal records to reflect current licenses.
- Attached proof of purchase and inventory report (if required).
This provides a clear checklist of compliance that Autodesk can easily review.
- Submit Promptly and Retain a Copy: Send the LOU to your Autodesk compliance contact (or as instructed, sometimes an email or portal upload) as soon as you have completed everything. Prompt submission can help close the case faster. Autodesk will appreciate not having to chase you for it. Keep a signed copy (digital and/or hard copy) in your audit records file. This letter is your formal closure document – if there’s ever a question down the line, you have evidence that Autodesk acknowledged your compliance as of that date.
Consider the LOU your audit “graduation certificate.” It signals the end of this audit process. But remember, it also often includes a commitment to stay compliant in the future, so treat it as a living promise that your company intends to uphold.
Monitoring in the future
With the audit resolved and new processes in place, your focus should shift to ongoing monitoring and compliance. The goal is simple: never go through this fire drill again.
By keeping a close eye on your Autodesk license usage, you can avoid the triggers that lead to audits.
Here’s how to stay on track:
- Leverage Autodesk Account & Tools: Autodesk’s online account management portal not only lists your subscriptions and seats, but it also provides some insight into usage (for instance, which users have activated licenses, and in some cases usage frequency if using cloud services). Make it a habit to check this dashboard regularly. Ensure the number of active users never exceeds the number of licenses you have. If Autodesk offers any compliance or asset tracking tools, take advantage of them. Some organizations integrate Autodesk’s licensing info with their own asset management systems for a single view.
- Maintain a License Inventory: Keep your internal license inventory document updated in real time. Every time you purchase new licenses, add them to your account. Every time you retire a license or a user leaves the company, update it. Include details like contract end dates for subscriptions. This way, at any point, you know exactly what you have versus what’s deployed. If someone requests a new installation, you’ll immediately know if you have a free license or need to procure another.
- Quarterly Compliance Reviews: Set a recurring calendar reminder (quarterly is a good cadence for many) to do a self-review. In these check-ins, reconcile your Autodesk licenses with active users/computers again. Look for any discrepancies. Maybe a team spun up a new PC and installed AutoCAD without telling IT – your scan will catch it. Maybe you reassigned a license but forgot to remove the previous user – the Autodesk portal can show double assignments if not cleaned up. Regular reviews help catch these oversights before they snowball.
- Forecast Future Needs: Work with project managers or department leads to plan for upcoming software needs. If a new project or hire is coming that will require additional Autodesk software, plan the license purchase ahead of time. This proactive approach means you won’t be tempted to temporarily use an extra installation “just until we buy it later” – a scenario that often triggers compliance issues. Budget for license true-ups as a normal part of growth, so it’s never an emergency scramble.
- Keep Everyone Accountable: Monitoring shouldn’t fall on one person alone. Make software compliance a team responsibility. For example, have department heads attest each quarter that their teams are only using approved software. Involve procurement to flag any Autodesk-related purchases or requests. When everyone knows compliance is being watched, they are more likely to follow the rules.
By monitoring continuously, you transform compliance from a one-time project into business as usual.
This not only prevents audits, it also gives you peace of mind. The companies that never face a second audit are usually those that treat license management as an ongoing practice, not a one-off cleanup.
Check-In with Autodesk
You’ve done all the right things internally – now consider a final, external step: proactive communication with Autodesk. This is about building a positive relationship after an audit, rather than waiting in anxious silence.
Here’s how you might approach it:
- Confirm Closure: Once you’ve submitted the LOU and fulfilled everything, it’s reasonable to reach out to your Autodesk compliance or account representative to confirm that they have everything needed. A brief email along the lines of, “We’ve completed all the actions from the recent license review and sent the certification letter. Please let us know if there’s anything further you require. We’re committed to staying compliant,” shows thoroughness. Often, they’ll simply acknowledge and appreciate the follow-through.
- Six-Month Follow-Up: If you want to go the extra mile, schedule a check-in a few months down the road (say at the six-month or one-year mark). This could be with your Autodesk sales rep or customer success manager, if you have one, rather than the audit team. The message: you’ve remained compliant and have improved your practices. This is not to invite another audit (and it won’t likely trigger one by itself), but to demonstrate professionalism. Something as simple as, “We wanted to let you know that since resolving last year’s audit, we’ve maintained strict compliance. We’ve implemented new internal controls, and things are running smoothly with our Autodesk usage. We value our partnership and just wanted to keep you in the loop.” It can turn the previous audit incident into a trust-building moment.
- Build Goodwill: Vendors are less likely to scrutinize or surprise-audit a customer who has proven to be cooperative and proactive. By extending a handshake after the audit, you differentiate your company from others who might only do the bare minimum. Pro Tip: A post-audit courtesy check-in can help reset the tone with Autodesk. You’re no longer just an audit case number; you’re a conscientious customer. That goodwill can go a long way. In some cases, Autodesk reps might even share tips on license optimization or inform you of new licensing programs that could benefit your company (for instance, trading some licenses for a different bundle that fits you better). It becomes a two-way dialogue rather than a one-sided compliance check.
- Document the Outreach: Just like everything else, keep records of these communications. It’s part of your story that you took compliance seriously and maintained transparency. If ever there was a dispute or a new audit inquiry, you have a history to show that you haven’t been hiding – quite the opposite, you’ve been upfront and collaborative.
Remember, Autodesk (like most software publishers) ultimately wants customers to use their software legally and successfully.
By showing that you’re a partner in that goal, not an adversary, you reduce the chances of adversarial audits in the future. It’s a bit like telling the teacher you’ve done your homework — it establishes trust.
FAQs: Post-Audit True-Up Concerns
Q: Do we have to uninstall old or unused Autodesk versions as part of the settlement?
A: If your settlement or Autodesk’s instructions specify it, absolutely yes. Even if it’s not explicitly written, it’s wise to remove any software that isn’t properly licensed. During the audit, you likely identified installs that didn’t have valid licenses – those should be gone now. Keeping unlicensed copies (even if you don’t actively use them) is a risk not worth taking. Additionally, if you’ve purchased new licenses for the latest versions as part of true-up, you might not need those older versions around. Clean them out to avoid confusion and ensure there’s no accidental usage. Think of it as part of good IT hygiene post-audit.
Q: We ended up buying more licenses than we immediately need – can we reassign or use them elsewhere?
A: Yes. Any licenses you purchased are now yours to manage within the company. If the settlement required, say, 10 licenses but only eight users actively need them today, you have 2 spare licenses available. You can assign those to new users or projects as needs arise. In Autodesk’s subscription model, you might keep them unassigned in your account until someone needs access, then simply allocate the license to that user. It’s actually a good thing – you have some cushion for growth and won’t have to scramble for new purchases for a while. Just be sure to track those extra licenses so they don’t get forgotten. Centralize them in your license inventory and maybe note that they are currently unassigned/available. This way, when a new hire or project arises, you’ll use the license you’ve already paid for, ensuring compliance and getting value from it.
Q: Can Autodesk audit us again soon after we just settled?
A: Technically, once you sign a settlement, you’re not immune from future audits forever – the standard Autodesk license agreement (and sometimes the settlement itself) allows for audits with notice. However, it’s uncommon for Autodesk to turn around and audit you again immediately after a settlement if you’ve truly complied. Typically, there’s an understanding that you’ve cleaned house and will be on your best behavior. Many companies that settle an audit won’t hear from Autodesk’s compliance team again for several years, if ever, provided no new red flags appear. That said, it’s not impossible – especially if the settlement included a special clause about a follow-up review or if Autodesk somehow believes non-compliance recurs. The best way to ensure you’re not audited again is to stay visibly compliant: manage your licenses well, avoid the original triggers that got you in trouble, and maintain that open relationship. If another audit does happen down the line, you’ll be in a strong position with all the monitoring and processes you’ve put in place. In short, the risk of a repeat audit in the near term is low if you do everything right – and you’re already doing exactly that.
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