Configuration Levels
xAssets offers several levels of customisation, from simple point-and-click changes through to full programmatic control. This page explains the levels so you can decide which approach fits your task.
Level 1: Point-and-Click Configuration
Most customisation is done through the xAssets web interface without any programming. This is the primary focus of this guide and includes:
- Rearranging and renaming form fields, menu items, and query columns
- Creating new forms, queries, menus, and dashboards
- Setting up security through user groups, table permissions, and menu access controls
- Configuring profiles to separate the application into functional areas (e.g., IT Asset Management, Fixed Asset Management)
- Adding custom fields using Specification Data
- Adjusting system behaviour through Settings
All of these tasks are performed through the Admin menus and require the Configuration User permission.
Level 2: Transformations and AMSX Scripting
For more advanced tasks -- such as importing data from external systems, automating business processes, or performing bulk data operations -- xAssets provides Transformations. Transformations can be configured through the web interface, but advanced transformations may include AMSX scripts (a server-side scripting language) for custom logic.
AMSX scripting is covered in the Transformations chapter of this guide and in more detail in the xAssets Programmers Guide.
Level 3: Client Scripting (XCS)
XCS (xAssets Client Scripting) allows event-driven scripts to run in the browser when users interact with forms -- for example, auto-populating fields, showing validation messages, or hiding fields based on conditions. XCS uses a JavaScript-interpreted Visual Basic syntax and is covered in the xAssets Programmers Guide.
Level 4: REST API
The REST API provides programmatic access to xAssets data and operations from external applications. It is used for system-to-system integration, custom portals, and automation workflows. See the REST API chapter for getting started.
Which Level Do I Need?
| Task | Level |
|---|---|
| Rename a field label | Level 1 -- edit the form field |
| Add a custom field to an asset form | Level 1 -- add Specification Data, then add the field to the form |
| Import assets from a CSV file | Level 2 -- create a Transformation |
| Auto-populate a field when a user selects a category | Level 3 -- write an XCS script |
| Push asset data to a third-party system on a schedule | Level 2 or Level 4 -- Transformation with AMSX, or REST API |
| Build a custom web portal that reads xAssets data | Level 4 -- REST API |
Tip: Start with Level 1. Most organisations accomplish 90% of their customisation needs without writing any code.
Related Articles
- Configuration Guide Overview — Introduction to the configuration guide
- Concepts — Core configuration concepts and terminology
- Upgradeability — How configuration changes interact with software upgrades
- User Groups — Managing user groups and permissions
- Profiles — Configuring profiles for different functional areas