Asset Models
Asset models are reusable equipment templates. Create a model once—like Fire Extinguisher or Boiler—with manufacturer details, documents, and blocks, then create many individual instances from it. When you update the model, all instances inherit the shared information. You can organize models under asset classes, including after creation, and group the same model under multiple categories. See Managing asset classes and linked definitions for how to link or unlink classes and set a primary class.
Before You Start
You need the Manager role for the Premises module. If you don't see Add Model, ask your site administrator to update your permissions in Settings > User Management > Edit Access.
How to Create an Asset Model
Go to Premises > Asset Models
Click Add Model
Enter a name (e.g. Fire Extinguisher, Boiler)
Optionally add a description
Click Create Asset Model
The new model appears in the asset models list. When a manufacturer is set, the list shows the manufacturer as a subtitle above the model name (including on mobile). Click a model to add blocks, documents, forms, or link an asset class.
How to Create a Model When Adding an Asset
You can define a new model while creating the first asset instance from Premises > Assets.
Go to Premises > Assets and click Add Asset
Choose Create New Model
Optionally choose a Manufacturer. The picker can show Your manufacturers, From the Calm library, and Search the web. Selecting an organisation manufacturer only chooses that record. Selecting a library or web result creates your organisation’s manufacturer when needed. If you have the Manager role (or higher) for Premises, you can also type a new name; typing creates a local manufacturer only and does not seed a Calm library link. For full picker behaviour, see Manage asset manufacturers.
Enter the Model Name (required)
Optionally add a Description
Optionally select an Asset Class—after you enter a new model name, we suggest a matching class when we can; you can change it or leave the model unclassified. You can skip this and link a class later on the model detail page
Continue the wizard to name the asset, choose a location, and click Create Asset
The new model and its first instance are created together. If you left Asset Class blank, open the model from Premises > Asset Models, go to the Asset Classes section, choose a class from Pick a class to link…, and click Link.
How to Add Blocks to an Asset Model
Blocks are predefined data containers for compliance information. On asset models, you typically add the Manufacturer block—product specifications, model numbers, and documentation that apply to all instances of that model.
Open the asset model from Premises > Asset Models
In the Asset Model Blocks section, click Add Block
Select Manufacturer (or another block available at definition level)
Fill in the details (e.g. manufacturer name, model, product URL) and save
Manufacturer information is inherited by all asset instances of that model.
How to Add Cost and Lifecycle Details to a Model
Asset models can include a cost and lifecycle block that records standard purchase price, replacement cost, residual value, and useful life for the equipment type.
Open the asset model from Premises > Asset Models
In the Asset Model Blocks section, click Add Block and select Cost and Lifecycle
Enter the purchase price, replacement cost, residual value, and useful life
Save the block
The repair-versus-replace badge on an asset compares cumulative maintenance spend against the replacement cost.
How to Add Tags and Attachments
Tags: Open the asset model, find the Tags section, and add tags for filtering and search across your asset models.
Documents: Use Attach Documents to link policies, manuals, or safety data sheets to the asset model. These documents are inherited by all instances.
File attachments: Use the Files tab to attach certificates, manuals, or other reference files. Set expiry dates for compliance tracking.
Common Questions
What's the difference between an asset class, an asset model, and an asset instance? A class is a taxonomy category (e.g. Fire Extinguisher). A model is the template (e.g. Some Company's CO2 Extinguisher). An instance is the individual unit (e.g. Fire Extinguisher #127 in the kitchen). You create the model first, then create instances from it. An asset class is optional when you create a model; you can link one later from the model detail page. Models can belong to multiple classes.
Can I add warranty or serial number to an asset model? Warranty, insurance, and serial number are instance-level blocks—they apply to individual units, not the model. Add those when creating or editing asset instances.
Can I delete an asset model? Only if no asset instances use it. Remove or reassign instances first. You need the Admin role for Premises to delete.
Can I manage the list of manufacturers centrally? You can create, edit, and delete manufacturer records in Settings > Premises > Manufacturers, or import many at once from Settings > Imports. When forms ask for a manufacturer, you can choose from your organisation list, the Calm library, or a web directory search. See Manage asset manufacturers and Import manufacturers from a spreadsheet.
Equipment Risk Profiles
When an equipment risk profile is linked to this asset model, it appears in the Equipment Risk Profiles section on the model detail page. The card shows profiles linked to this model and any of its instances.
Linking at the model level is useful when the same risk profile applies to every unit of that equipment type. If risk varies by individual unit, link the profile to the specific asset instance instead.