Overview
Every Asset in Mobaro has the same set of fields for finding, identifying and managing a piece of equipment over time. This article is the reference for each field: what it's for, the rules it follows, how scanner codes work, and how to get values added to the Manufacturer, Model and Category lists.
To create an Asset, see Create an Asset. For the Location and parent of an Asset, see Linking Assets to Locations and Asset hierarchies and parent/child relationships.
At a glance |
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Who can do this | Super Users, or a Role with Assets › Administrate — at Locations where you're a member |
Where | Locations › Assets › Create or Edit |
Works on | Backend (web). Fields can also be set through the Public API. |
Availability | All organizations |
💡 Why this matters: Filled-in, consistent fields make the rest of Mobaro work better. People find Assets by serial number or code, integrations match records by External ID, and reports can group by Manufacturer or Category only when those fields are set.
Asset field reference
Only Name and Location are required. Everything else is optional but worth filling in where it applies.
Field | What it's for | Rules |
Name | The main name, shown in the Backend, the app and reports | Required. Duplicates are allowed. |
Location | The Location the Asset belongs to | Required. Set when you create the Asset; change it later with Move. |
Short name | A shorter name for small screens | Optional. Users of the Mobaro App can toggle between showing the name or the short name. |
Description | Notes about the Asset, such as install date or version details | Free text with basic formatting. |
External ID | The Asset's identifier in another system, such as a CMMS or asset register | Free text. Not checked for uniqueness. |
Serial | The manufacturer's serial number for the physical unit | Free text. |
Code | Your own internal code, such as a fleet or maintenance number | Free text. |
Custom Scanner Code | The value in the Asset's QR code | Optional. Must be unique across all Assets and Locations. |
Manufacturer | Who made the Asset | Chosen from a list Mobaro maintains. |
Model | The Asset's model | Chosen from the Models of the selected Manufacturer. |
Category | A high-level class of equipment | Chosen from a list Mobaro maintains. |
An Asset can also have a parent Asset at the same Location; see Asset hierarchies and parent/child relationships.
Scanner codes and QR codes
Every saved Asset has a QR code, shown next to Custom Scanner Code in its editor. The QR code holds the Custom Scanner Code or, if you leave that blank, the Asset's ID. Click the QR code to open it in a new window for printing. To print codes for several Assets, select them in Locations › Assets and click Export scanner codes.
Scanning the QR code with the device's camera opens the Mobaro app on the Asset's Location, filtered to that Asset.
⚠️ Heads-up: A Custom Scanner Code must be unique across all Assets and Locations in your organization; if it's taken, the editor shows Scanner code is already in use. Changing the code changes the QR code, so reprint any labels already on the equipment.
Manufacturer, Model and Category
Manufacturer, Model and Category are chosen from lists that Mobaro maintains for all customers, so the values stay consistent across organizations. You can't add your own values.
To request a value, contact your Customer Success Manager or [email protected]. Each Model belongs to one Manufacturer, so include the Manufacturer when you request a Model, and request both if neither is listed. Once Mobaro has added the value, edit your Assets to use it.
Change an Asset's fields
In Locations › Assets, select the Asset, click Edit, change the fields and click Save. Changes to Name, Description, External ID, Code, Serial, Manufacturer, Model and Category are recorded in the Asset's history — see Asset history and audit trail. To change the Location or parent, use Move.
The Backend has no bulk edit for Asset fields. To change many Assets at once, use the Public API, one call per Asset — see Bulk imports and API access for Assets.
Best practices
Pick one naming convention and stick to it, such as position-based (MCC1, OCC1), function-based (Drive Motor 1) or prefixed by system (EL-MCC1). "MCC 1", "MCC1" and "Mcc1" look alike to people but not to search and reports.
Copy the identifier from any other system into External ID when you create the Asset, and keep it unique by convention. It makes API sync reliable and prevents duplicates on re-import.
Set a Short name when the Name is longer than about 15 characters.
Record the Serial for major Assets, so swapped components and warranty claims can be traced to the unit.
Put structured data in its own field, not in Description, so it can be filtered and synced.
Leave Manufacturer, Model or Category blank rather than picking a near match, and request the missing value. Check first whether it's listed under a parent brand.
Label frequently used Assets, such as control panels and queue gates, with their QR code.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use scanner codes on an asset?
Every Asset has a QR code in its editor, built from its Custom Scanner Code or, if that's blank, its ID. Print it with Export scanner codes. Scanning it with the device's camera opens the Mobaro app on the Asset's Location, filtered to that Asset.
How do I add a manufacturer?
You can't add one yourself. Manufacturer, Model and Category come from lists Mobaro maintains. Ask your CSM or [email protected]; for a Model, include its Manufacturer. Once it's added, edit your Assets to use it.
What information do I need to add an asset?
Only a Name and the Location it belongs to. Everything else is optional, but External ID, Serial and Manufacturer make Assets easier to find and sync. See Create an Asset.
What do I write in Code?
Your own internal code for the Asset, such as a fleet or maintenance number. It's free text. For the identifier the Asset has in another system you sync with, use External ID instead.
How do I show the short name in the app?
In the Mobaro app, open your profile and turn on Show short name for assets. Each user chooses this for themselves.
I can't edit an asset's fields. Which permission do I need?
Super User, or a Role with Assets › Administrate, plus membership of the Asset's Location. Locations › Modify isn't enough. Without Assets › Administrate, Assets doesn't appear under Locations.