AssetLabAssetLab Tutorials
AssetLab Setup · Tutorial 01

Three ways to structure your asset hierarchy

Every asset in the system is filed under a three-tier hierarchy — System Class → System Group → System. The model you choose shapes how staff search, report, and roll up costs. Here are three approaches, from a recognized building standard to a department-led structure built to scale as new divisions come online.

System Class — top tier→System Group — category→System — specific type
Standards-based
UniFormat II — the building-systems standard

Assets are filed by what they are, using the ASTM UniFormat II classification. Class = major group element (A–G), Group = group element (e.g. D30), System = individual element (e.g. D3030). Universally understood by architects, engineers, and condition assessors.

Strengths

  • Recognized industry standard — aligns with capital planning, FCA reports, and consultants
  • Consistent across every building regardless of department
  • Clean cost roll-ups by building system (HVAC, envelope, electrical)

Trade-offs

  • Building-centric — awkward fit for fleet, IT, or linear park assets
  • Codes (D3030, B2010) need a legend for non-technical staff
  • Less intuitive for crews who think in departments
7 classes · 19 groups · 45 systems shown
▶ASubstructure2 groups
▶A10Foundations2
A1010Standard Foundations
A1030Slab on Grade
▶A20Basement Construction2
A2010Basement Excavation
A2020Basement Walls
▶BShell3 groups
▶B10Superstructure2
B1010Floor Construction
B1020Roof Construction
▶B20Exterior Enclosure3
B2010Exterior Walls
B2020Exterior Windows
B2030Exterior Doors
▶B30Roofing2
B3010Roof Coverings
B3020Roof Openings
▶CInteriors3 groups
▶C10Interior Construction2
C1010Partitions
C1020Interior Doors
▶C20Stairs1
C2010Stair Construction
▶C30Interior Finishes3
C3010Wall Finishes
C3020Floor Finishes
C3030Ceiling Finishes
▶DServices5 groups
▶D10Conveying1
D1010Elevators & Lifts
▶D20Plumbing3
D2010Plumbing Fixtures
D2020Domestic Water Distribution
D2090Other Plumbing (e.g. pool circ. pumps)
▶D30HVAC5
D3020Heat Generating Systems
D3030Cooling Generating Systems
D3040Distribution Systems
D3050Terminal & Package Units
D3060Controls & Instrumentation
▶D40Fire Protection3
D4010Sprinkler Systems
D4020Standpipes
D4030Fire Protection Specialties
▶D50Electrical4
D5010Electrical Service & Distribution
D5020Lighting & Branch Wiring
D5030Communications & Security
D5090Other Electrical (generators)
▶EEquipment & Furnishings2 groups
▶E10Equipment2
E1010Commercial Equipment
E1030Vehicular Service Equipment
▶E20Furnishings1
E2010Fixed Furnishings
▶FSpecial Construction1 groups
▶F10Special Construction1
F1040Special Facilities (pools / aquatics)
▶GBuilding Sitework3 groups
▶G20Site Improvements3
G2010Roadways
G2020Parking Lots
G2030Pedestrian Paving
▶G30Site Mechanical Utilities3
G3010Water Supply
G3020Sanitary Sewer
G3030Storm Sewer
▶G40Site Electrical Utilities2
G4010Electrical Distribution
G4020Site Lighting