Answer: 

CONNECTION Client must be installed to access SES-based products because it includes the licensing components. However, it need not be signed in if using checked out licenses. The following standalone workflow can be used instead:

1. Check out licenses for your product as a file via Entitlement Management using the following instructions:
   https://bentleysystems.service-now.com/community?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0018789
2. Transfer the resulting license file to the workstation.
3. Import it using the directions below:
   https://bentleysystems.service-now.com/community?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0019053