Asset types

An asset type is a template for creating assets that share a common structure or type. When you create an asset type, you define the expected metadata and stream references for assets created from that asset type. Using asset types to create assets makes it easier to compare assets of the same type and to ensure consistency across similar assets. Note these guidelines when creating an asset from an asset type:

• Configure the asset name, and, optionally, the description.

• Do not add or remove metadata from the asset; however, you can edit metadata values. The asset type determines the metadata and stream type associated with the asset.

• Configure stream references to point at streams of the type defined by the asset type.

• Do not change the mappings or select another measurement. Status mapping is determined by asset type.

• Asset configuration is read-only and inherited from an asset type.

There are two ways to create an asset type:

• Take an existing asset and convert it to an asset type. For more information, see Convert an asset to an asset type.

• Create a new asset type. For more information, see Create an asset type.

PI Server counterpart

Asset types are comparable to element templates in the PI AF server. Like element templates, asset types are templates for creating assets. Using asset types ensures consistency and makes it easier to compare assets of the same type.

Asset types best practices

When deciding whether or not to use asset types, consider whether all assets of a given type are similar enough that they can be modeled by a type. Additional metadata and stream references cannot be added to assets that are created from an asset type.