[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” positioning=”none” horizontal_offset_tablet=”” horizontal_offset_phone=”” horizontal_offset_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||25px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” custom_padding__hover=”0px|||0px|false|false” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” min_height=”175px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
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In developing an asset inventory, it is critical to develop a unique asset identification number (Asset ID) for each asset in the inventory. This ID number can be whatever makes sense for your utility. It is imperative that each Asset ID is unique. Uniform Asset IDs allow staff to search and query data more effectively and make valuable data more readily available. Some software programs might limit the number of characters allowed in a data field so be aware of these limitations when selecting software<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0determining\u00a0how to number assets.\u00a0\u00a0The numbering system should be consistent throughout\u00a0the\u00a0inventory\u00a0and should be easily and quickly recognized by all personnel.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n Things to keep in mind when creating the Asset ID system:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” min_height=”71.5px” custom_margin=”-20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n There are several approaches to developing an asset numbering system. Each has advantages and disadvantages.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Sequential Number ” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” body_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_level=”h4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Existing Internal Numbering System ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_level=”h4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Existing External Numbering System” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_level=”h4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Create a Number System” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_level=”h4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Random Numbering System Created by Software” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_level=”h4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_toggle title=”Software Considerations…” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h4″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n A = Water (W) or Wastewater (WW)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n BCD = facility name (i.e., abbreviation for pump station, well house, treatment building)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n EFG = Equipment name (i.e., abbreviation for name of equipment)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 1 = Equipment number (i.e., number for that\u00a0particular piece\u00a0of equipment)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|16px|16px|16px|16px” border_width_all=”5px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Water System Example:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n WMPSPMP1<\/span><\/b>\u00a0= Water System Main Street Pump Station Pump 1<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n W<\/span><\/b>\u00a0= Water System<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n MPS<\/span><\/b>\u00a0= Main Street Pump Station<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n PMP<\/span><\/b>\u00a0= Pump<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 1<\/span><\/b>\u00a0= Number 1 Pump<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|16px|16px|16px|16px” border_width_all=”5px” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Wastewater System Example:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n WWSRDOF2<\/span><\/b>\u00a0= Wastewater South River Discharge\u00a0Second Installed Outfall<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n WW<\/span><\/b>\u00a0= Wastewater<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n SRD<\/span><\/b>\u00a0= South River Discharge<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n OF<\/span><\/b>\u00a0= Outfall<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2<\/span><\/b>\u00a0= Second installed outfall<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Any numbering system can work.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>The utility should choose the numbering system that best fits its operation<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>and has room for growth and adaptation<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>It is worthwhile\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to examine<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>approaches used by other systems in selecting a numbering scheme and\u00a0<\/span><\/span>modify<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>examples<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to suit the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>unique<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>needs of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>your<\/span>\n
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<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n Description<\/b><\/td>\n Advantages<\/b><\/td>\n Disadvantages<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Numbering system that adds a sequential number to each new asset<\/td>\n \n \n
\n \n
\n\n
\n \n Description<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n Advantages<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n Disadvantages<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n \n If part of the organization already has an asset numbering system, such as accounting, you may choose to use it<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n \n
Easy to Implement<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
Improved Communication: A single naming system leads to better cross-departmental communication<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n \n
May Not Meet Requirements<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
Possibility of Change: It is possible that the base naming convention may change, creating a mismatch between your asset records and data in other systems.<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\n\n
\n \n Description<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n Advantages<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n Disadvantages<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n \n One example is the US DOD\u2019s National Stock Number (NSN)<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n \n
Trustworthy: Other organizations have used the naming system with great success<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
Easy to Use: Well-established naming systems provide a template from which you can easily assign names and numbers to your assets.<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
Best Practices established<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n \n
Complexity: Some naming conventions consist of many separate coding systems, making it tedious to follow or apply.<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
Too Large of a Scope: Naming systems such as the NSN tracks millions of assets. You may not require the same level of detail if managing a small number of assets. A simpler naming strategy may be more appropriate.<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\n\n
\n \n Description<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n Advantages<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n Disadvantages<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n \n Build meaning into asset numbers by incorporating information such as location, asset type, asset function, manufacturer, model, building number, and more.<\/span><\/h4>\n
Learn more about creating a number system<\/a><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n \n
Flexibility<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
Meets Your Specific Requirements:<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n \n
Time to Develop: It takes careful planning, time, and effort to devise the rules and requirements that must be adhered to when naming assets.<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
Longevity: Custom naming conventions that aren\u2019t built with enough flexibility break down over time, creating the need to change the system.<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
Difficult to use if assets are moved from one location to another.<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\n\n
\n \n Description<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n Advantages<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n Disadvantages<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n \n Software programs, such as GIS or a CMMS system, can create random asset ID numbers for each asset\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n \n
Very easy to implement<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
No need to develop a naming convention<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
Assets that are moved from location to location are unaffected<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n \n
No connection to asset attributes, such as location or type<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
Can be a long series of numbers<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Are you considering using Asset Management software for your system?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>The system that you consider may have a feature that automatically assigns a<\/span>n Asset ID to assets\u00a0<\/span><\/span>entered into<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the inventory.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Find out if the program allows you to set up a system for asset identification numbers<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>or if you can edit the IDs.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
An example of a potential numbering scheme is shown below.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Example 1:<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/h5>\n
<\/strong><\/strong>A BCD EFG 1<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n