An equipment hierarchy, also known as an asset hierarchy or equipment structure, is a systematic organization of equipment and assets. It establishes a hierarchical relationship between different equipment levels, categorizing them based on their function, location, relationship to other equipment, and other relevant criteria.
At the top level of the hierarchy, there may be broader categories such as departments or facilities. As you descend the hierarchy, you encounter increasingly specific classifications, such as systems, subsystems, equipment types, individual pieces of equipment, and even components.
An equipment hierarchy provides a structured framework for managing assets and maintenance activities. It helps organizations effectively organize and categorize their assets, facilitating maintenance planning, resource
allocation, inventory management, and performance analysis. Additionally, an equipment hierarchy can enhance communication and collaboration among maintenance teams by providing a common structure for referencing and identifying assets.
In CMMS software, the equipment hierarchy is a digital representation of your physical plant. You can represent your hierarchy through your asset naming convention.