Create an Asset Type as a template for the data to be recorded for Assets of that type, by following these steps:
Step 1. In the Knowledge Base Explorer select an existing Asset Type to be the new Asset Type’s parent. (Refer to the section on the Knowledge Base Explorer for information on navigating the Knowledge Base hierarchy)
Step 2. From the Insert Menu select “Insert Asset Type”
Step 3. Fill in the required data in the appropriate fields. (Refer to the reference section on Asset Types for information about the different fields)
Step 4. Select a previously created Attribute Set, from the drop down list, to define the attributes and user fields. (Refer to How To Create An Asset Attribute Set for details)
Things to be aware of:
•The Knowledge Base Hierarchy is always structured around the Types of Asset data that an organisation is concerned with managing and is usually structured in logical categories e.g. Buildings, Sewers. It is not to be confused with the Asset Hierarchy, which is usually structured around the locality or names of physical Assets
•Plan the creation of the Knowledge Base Hierarchy carefully and restrict the creation of Asset Types to a few key users. These precautions are to ensure consistency in the way it is organised and will minimise the chances of accidentally creating redundant Asset Types and Asset Types with redundant Attributes
•Ensure that the correct Attribute Set has been assigned to each Asset Type. Attribute Sets define what sort of data is going to be recorded for Assets of this type and can help determine the need for more Asset Types
•Other than Attributes, the two key areas that will help determine how far to break down the Asset Types are Valuations and Works Management. For example an Asset Type called “Concrete Drainage Pipe” could be created with the intention that the diameter is recorded as a Dimension, along with length, depth and other attributes. This is quite valid if the pipe is not to be valued in Conquest but if it is valued then, because replacement rates for pipes are normally based on diameter, it is preferable to have a separate Asset Type for each diameter of pipe. From a Works Management perspective, two Assets of the same Asset Type could be required to have quite different maintenance regimes because of environmental factors, so it may be better to have a second Asset Type