Introducing Asset Types

Asset Types are dynamic models of Asset structures that minimise configuration effort by providing a standard base that can be used for similar Assets that have a common function and construction.

Asset Types are the building blocks for the physical Asset hierarchy; they are used to create the Asset Trees that duplicate the basic divisions of all physical Assets, from a general level, for example a motor, down to the Component level, for example a shaft on a motor.

All information related to an Asset Type is configured only once, in one place, and Assets and Components are configured using the properties and descendant items defined for an Asset Type.

Definitions

These definitions apply to Asset Types.

Term	Description
Asset Type	Generic standard for Assets with common properties, function and construction. Configured in the Asset Type Tree. Examples are “PUMP” or “GEARBOX” or “SHAFT”.
Asset Type model	Comprises an Asset Type with its tree structure of related Asset Type Placeholders, In-place Asset Types, Components, Component Placeholders and Tasks. Created and maintained in the Asset Type Tree. Consists of: Asset Type Asset Type Placeholders, In-place Asset Types and Filled Asset Placeholders Components Tasks linked to the Asset Type and/or each Asset Type Component of the Asset Type
Asset Type Tree	Tree view of all Asset Type models.

Re-Using Asset Types

An Asset Type can be re-used in the Asset Type Tree to create:

Sub Asset Types of the original Asset Type
Asset Type Placeholders
Linked Asset Types
Component Placeholder
Linked Components.

All re-used Asset Types inherit the original Asset Type’s properties.

A descendant Sub Asset Type in the Asset Type Tree inherits its ancestor’s Asset Type properties.

For example, the Asset Type for a motor contains all the information that is common to all motors and can be used as the basis for an “AC MOTOR” Asset Type and a “DC MOTOR” Asset Type. All properties of the “MOTOR” Asset Type are configured only once, in one place, and are inherited when the “MOTOR” Asset Type is re-used to create an “AC MOTOR” Asset Type or a “DC MOTOR” Asset Type.

Benefits of using Asset Types and Assets

Asset Types provide an efficient mechanism to simulate an organisation’s asset management environment and minimise the effort required to configure and maintain the Asset Register of physical Assets.
Asset Type and Asset tree structures graphically mimic the organisation’s asset management environment.
Asset Type and Asset models encourage proper use of the Asset Care Plans functionality.
Assets and Components can be dynamically configured to duplicate changes taking place in the plant, factory or facility, as and when they occur.

Best Practices

Structure the organisation’s Asset Type Tree with folders for each of the following basic groups of Asset Types.
- Functional Units, which are used to build Sub Assemblies but can operate on their own.
- Sub Assemblies, which are used to build Machines.
- Machines, which are used to build Production Lines.
- Production Lines
Create Asset Types before creating Assets.