Assets The Open Asset ID (OAI)

This document outlines the structure and basic principles of the OAI (Open Assets Id). The OAI is an alphanumeric ID representing a set of three properties of an asset that make it unique to all other assets.

The three parts of an asset identity are:

• Primary Identifier

• Attribute 1

• Attribute 2

Please read our blog post on the subject to find out why we use three attributes. Asset Identification.

Primary Identifier

The primary identifier is normally a code or number that uniquely identifies an asset within context. For instance, a serial number will often uniquely identify an asset within the context of a manufacturer.

Other primary identifiers uniquely identify an asset in a broader context. For example, a vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) is unique globally to all vehicles. Another example is a vessel's IMO (international maritime organisation) number that is unique across all vessels over a particular tonnage (size).

The primary identifier is the main property of an asset that is used to find it with the Open Assets products.

Attribute 1

Attribute 1 is the first of two human identifiable properties of the asset. Often this will be the brand name of the manufacturer of the asset. However, in instances with no manufacturer, another commonly recognised attribute that, coupled with the primary identifier, will aid the uniqueness of the asset identity will be used.

Attribute 2

This attribute is optional. However, when populated, it will contribute to the uniqueness of the asset identity and help users recognise the asset they are looking for. In some situations, the primary identifier and attribute 1 won't be enough to uniquely identify an asset, such as manufacturers that reuse serial numbers across multiple product lines.

Linking asset identities

To represent complex assets, you can link multiple OAI's together. This can be useful when an asset can be known by multiple sets of identifiers like serial numbers. It also enables you to represent each high-value detachable part of the asset as its own asset identity by giving it its own OAI.

For example, a loading arm on a lorry is a high-value attachment that can be removed and sold separately. By linking the OAI's of both the lorry and loading arm, you are digitally representing the asset as it exists in the real world. This enables you to keep full visibility of the asset across your organisation.

What attributes should I use?

For guidelines on what identifying attributes should be used for different asset types, see the attribute guidelines.