Glossary of Key Terms
This page defines key terms used throughout the xAssets documentation. Use it as a reference when you encounter unfamiliar terminology.
A
AMSX -- The server-side scripting language used in xAssets for automation, data manipulation, and custom business logic. AMSX scripts run on the server and can be triggered by transformations, batch jobs, or API calls.
Asset -- Any item tracked in the xAssets database. Assets can be physical (PCs, servers, vehicles, furniture) or logical (software licences, contracts, certificates). Each asset belongs to a Category and has a unique Asset ID.
Asset Editor -- The main data entry screen for viewing and editing a single asset record. The Asset Editor displays fields organised into forms, with related data (contracts, maintenance, financial details) accessible via tabs or left-menu sections.
Audit -- A process for verifying that physical assets match the records in xAssets. Audits use barcode scanners to scan assets and compare findings against expected records. See the Barcoding Guide.
Audit Type -- A configuration that defines the purpose of a barcode audit and determines which form is shown during scanning (e.g., Existence Verification, Asset Move, Stock Count).
B
Barcode -- A machine-readable code printed on a label and attached to a physical asset. xAssets uses CODE128 barcodes by default. Each asset has a unique barcode value stored in the Barcode field.
Batch Job -- A scheduled task that runs automatically at defined intervals. Batch jobs can generate work orders, run transformations, send email notifications, and perform other recurring operations. See Batch Jobs.
Book -- In Fixed Asset Management, a financial reporting context for depreciation calculations. An asset can have different depreciation values in different books (e.g., Tax Book, GAAP Book).
C
Category -- A classification that groups assets by type (e.g., Desktop, Laptop, Server, Vehicle, Building). Categories control which forms, queries, and specification data fields are available for assets in that group.
Category Filter Query -- A query used by a Profile to restrict which asset categories are visible. Categories that do not match the filter are hidden from the category tree and dropdown lists.
Clock Reading -- A consumption measurement for an asset (e.g., mileage for a vehicle, hours for a generator). Clock readings are used by the Planned Maintenance module to trigger consumption-based service plans.
Collection Server -- A server component that handles file transfers between xAssets and external devices (such as intelligent barcode scanners or discovery agents).
Cost Centre -- An organisational unit used for cost allocation and financial reporting. Assets can be assigned to a cost centre to track where costs are incurred.
Custodian -- A person associated with one or more assets. Custodians have records in xAssets that store their name, email, location, department, and cost centre. Custodians receive email notifications and can be linked to user accounts.
D
Dashboard -- A configurable home page that displays KPIs, charts, queries, and summary information. Each profile can have its own dashboard. See Dashboards.
Department -- An organisational unit used to group assets and custodians by business function (e.g., Finance, Engineering, Marketing).
Depreciation -- The systematic reduction of an asset's book value over its useful life. The Fixed Asset Management module calculates depreciation using configurable depreciation types and posts results to accounting periods.
F
Federated Data -- Data that is stored in an external system and displayed in xAssets without being copied into the xAssets database. Federated data is retrieved in real time via transformations.
Form -- A screen layout that defines which fields are displayed for data entry and in what order. Forms are configured using XDML and can be customised per category, per profile, or globally. See Forms.
G
Global Profile -- The special profile named "Global Version 7". Menu categories assigned to this profile are visible in all other profiles. Used for Admin menus, user preferences, and cross-functional tools.
K
Keywedge Scanner -- A barcode scanner that acts as a keyboard input device. When a barcode is scanned, the value is typed into the currently focused field, followed by a carriage return. Used for real-time scanning with a live network connection.
KPI -- Key Performance Indicator. KPIs are displayed on dashboards as numeric values, gauges, or traffic lights summarising a metric (e.g., "Assets Overdue for Audit", "Total Maintenance Cost This Month").
L
Location -- A physical place where assets are stored or used (e.g., a building, floor, room, or rack). Locations can be organised hierarchically (e.g., Building > Floor > Room).
Lookup List -- A predefined list of values that populates a dropdown field on a form. Lookup lists are managed in the Admin screens and can be shared across multiple forms.
M
Menu -- A navigation item that appears in the xAssets interface. Menus link to queries, forms, dashboards, transformations, or external URLs. See Menus.
Menu Category -- A grouping of related menus that appears as a section in the navigation bar. Each menu category belongs to a specific Profile (or the Global profile).
P
Profile -- A functional area that controls which menus, categories, and data a user sees. Users can switch between profiles to access different parts of the system. See Profiles.
Q
Query -- A configurable data retrieval that displays records in a list, chart, or report format. Queries define which columns are shown, how data is filtered, and how results are sorted. See Queries and Reports.
S
Service Plan -- In Planned Maintenance, a schedule that links a Service Process to one or more assets and defines the servicing frequency (e.g., every 12 months, every 10,000 miles).
Service Process -- In Planned Maintenance, a reusable template describing what a service involves -- procedures, priority, default assignments.
Specification Data -- User-defined custom fields that extend the standard asset record with additional data specific to your organisation. Also known as custom data or spec data. See Specification Data.
T
Transformation -- A configurable data operation that can import, export, update, or synchronise data between xAssets and external systems. Transformations use source-to-destination data mapping and can include AMSX scripting. See Transformations.
U
User Group -- A permission set that controls what a user can see and do in xAssets. User groups define menu access, table-level permissions (create, read, update, delete), and optional record-level filters. See User Groups.
W
Work Centre -- In Planned Maintenance, a group of technicians or service providers who can be assigned work orders. Work centres allow work to be routed to a team rather than a specific individual.
Work Order -- In Planned Maintenance, an individual task that tracks a specific service to be performed on a specific asset. Work orders can be generated automatically from Service Plans or created manually.
X
XCS -- The client-side scripting language used in xAssets for form-level event handling. XCS scripts run in the browser and respond to events such as field changes, form loads, and button clicks.
XDML -- xAssets Data Markup Language. The XML-based configuration language used to define forms, queries, menus, transformations, and other configurable elements in xAssets.