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COBie.Component.AssetIdentifier -- Expected Values

The COBie.Component.AssetIdentifier parameter stores the primary asset ID assigned to a component by the client, Facility Management (FM) system, or Asset Information Model (AIM).\ It is the official asset reference used throughout the operation and maintenance phase and must align with the asset register defined by the client.

This identifier is often the highest-level reference that connects: - The digital model\ - The FM/CMMS system\ - The physical asset tag\ - Maintenance records\ - Warranty documentation

Because of its central role, it must be strictly controlled and consistently maintained.

Validation Rules (DAQS)

  1. Mandatory for managed assets\ Any component that will be maintained, serviced, or tracked in the FM system shall have an AssetIdentifier populated.

  2. Client-defined value\ The AssetIdentifier shall follow:

    • The client's asset coding structure\
    • The official Asset Information Delivery (AID) plan\
    • The FM system import requirements

    Designers must not invent or guess AssetIdentifier values.

  3. Allowed characters

    • Letters (A--Z)\
    • Numbers (0--9)\
    • Hyphens -\
    • Underscores _\
    • Periods .

    No spaces unless explicitly required by the client's FM system.

  4. Must be unique\ The AssetIdentifier shall be unique across the entire project.

  5. No placeholders\ The following are not permitted: TBD, N/A, UNKNOWN, ---, or empty values for assets requiring identification.

  6. Alignment with other COBie fields\ AssetIdentifier must not conflict with:

    • COBie.Component.TagNumber\
    • COBie.Component.BarCode\
    • COBie.Component.SerialNumber

    Each field has a distinct purpose and should remain separate.

  7. Responsibility\ AssetIdentifier is typically assigned by:

    • The client\
    • The FM provider\
    • The main contractor during asset registration

    Not by the design team unless explicitly instructed.

Good Examples

Client System Valid COBie.Component.AssetIdentifier Example

SAP ASSET_44520-MECH Planon PLN-002341 Maximo MX-FAHU-0021 Archibus ACB.2291.AHU01 Custom Scheme AS_01-02-045

Common Mistakes

Incorrect Value Issue

Pump 01 Descriptive name; not a formal asset ID

12345 Generic placeholder; not unique or structured

TBD Not permitted for required fields

See drawings External reference; unacceptable in COBie

Empty Missing mandatory client-facing information

Relationship to Revit

Autodesk's COBie Extension typically maps this from:\ Revit → Instance Parameter "Asset Identifier"\ (or a shared parameter defined in the project's COBie template).

Key notes: - Must be an instance parameter.\ - Populated during construction, commissioning, or asset registration.\ - Must align with the client's AIM or FM database import.

Best Practices

  • Assign AssetIdentifiers only after coordination with the client's FM team.\
  • Ensure values match the FM system's required schema and import rules.\
  • Maintain a central asset register to coordinate identifiers across contractors.\
  • Never reuse, compress, or alter AssetIdentifiers without client approval.\
  • Validate unique values before COBie export to avoid FM import failures.