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How to use the Asset Type builder

Learn how to define custom asset types with fields tailored to your MSP's documentation needs.

Written by Jeremiah Hendrickson

Creating Custom Asset Types


TL;DR: Asset Types let you build structured templates for any category of asset. Define the fields once, and every asset of that type follows the same schema.


What Are Asset Types?

Asset Types are reusable templates that define the structure of your assets. When you create an asset, you select a type - and Lexful uses that type's field definitions to determine what data can be recorded.

For example, a Network Device type might include fields for IP address, MAC address, and firmware version. A Software License type might include expiration date, seat count, and vendor contact.

You manage asset types under Platform → Asset Types.


Creating a New Asset Type

  • Navigate to Asset Types - Click Asset Types on the left menu. Click New Asset Type.

  • Set the Display Name - Enter a human-readable name (e.g. Network Device). This is what users see throughout the platform.

  • Set the Internal Name - Enter a machine-readable identifier using lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only (e.g. network_device).

⚠️ The internal name cannot be changed after the asset type is created. Choose it carefully before saving.

  • Add a Description - Optionally describe what this asset type is used for. This helps your team understand the intent of the type at a glance.

  • Define Fields - Use the field builder at the bottom of the form to add custom properties to the type. Each field includes:

    • Display name - the label shown to users

    • Internal name - auto-generated from the display name; lowercase with underscores

    • Type - the data type for the field (e.g. Text, Number, Date)

    • Allowed values - optionally restrict input to a defined set (e.g. Small, Medium, Large)

    • Description - optional helper text for the field

    • Required - mark the field as mandatory when creating an asset of this type

    • Asset name - designate this field as the primary identifier shown in asset lists

💡 Add all fields you need before saving. You can always edit fields later, but planning the schema upfront keeps your data consistent.

  • Save the Type - Click Create Asset Type. The new type is immediately available when creating assets.


Managing Existing Asset Types

From the Asset Types list, you can view and edit any existing type. Changes to fields apply going forward - existing asset records are not retroactively affected.

📝 Deleting an asset type is currently not supported through the UI. Use the "Archive" option instead.


Field Types

When adding a field to an asset type, select the appropriate data type:

  • Text - free-form string input

  • Additional field types (Number, Date, Boolean, etc.) may be available depending on your plan.

📝 Additional field types and field-level validation are on the roadmap and will be available in a future release.


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