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. Models are organized under asset classes, so you can 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 Asset 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 Asset 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. Click it to add blocks, documents, and forms.
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. 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 > Manufacturers. These records can be selected when editing asset forms. See Manage asset manufacturers.