Building a Smarter PI Asset Framework: Turning Data into Intelligence

Leverage Asset Framework (AF) to achieve Operational efficiency and actionable insights

Every organization collects data, but few truly harness it. The real challenge isn’t gathering information; it’s transforming that information into something usable. That’s where the AVEVA PI Asset Framework (AF) comes in, and where InCentrik helps turn structure into strategy.

A well-built PI Asset Framework doesn’t just organize your data. It gives your entire operation a shared language, allowing teams to see what’s happening, understand why, and act faster. But building one that performs well over time takes more than software. It requires a deliberate approach built on strategy, scalability, and people.

1. Why Does a PI Asset Framework Strategy Matter?

2. How Should You Plan Your PI Asset Framework Before Building?

3. How Do You Ensure People Actually Use Your Asset Framework?

4. What Common Pitfalls Should You Avoid in PI AF Projects?

5. Which Hierarchy Models Scale Best for PI Asset Frameworks?

6. How Can You Build a PI Asset Framework That Works as Hard as You Do?

Why Does a PI Asset Framework Strategy Matter?

A clear strategy aligns AF design with business outcomes. It prevents rework, speeds adoption, and ensures analytics remain reliable as your system scales.

Too many PI AF projects start as technical exercises. Engineers build hierarchies, create templates, and move on. But without a defined purpose, even a well-documented structure can fail to deliver value.

Before the first element is built, clarify why you’re doing it.
Are you focused on improving maintenance visibility, streamlining analytics, or reducing downtime? Your “why” becomes the blueprint for every decision that follows.

The most successful frameworks are:

• Purpose-driven, not just data-driven.

• Modular, allowing smaller, focused hierarchies.

• Scalable, built to evolve as your data grows.

At InCentrik, we’ve seen firsthand how a strong PI Asset Framework transforms daily operations, improves reliability, and reduces costly rework.

How Should You Plan Your PI Asset Framework Before Building?

Strong frameworks start with thoughtful planning, not coding. Gather complete data, choose a structure that mirrors your real operations, and design flexible templates from the beginning.

Gather, Don’t Guess

Your framework is only as reliable as the data feeding it. Collect accurate details on every asset: equipment type, functions, sensor tags, and dependencies. Quality data early prevents assumptions and rework later.

Choose a Structure That Mirrors Reality

There’s no single right way to structure an asset hierarchy. Some organizations succeed with functional layouts, others with geographical or process-based models. The right choice depends on how your teams operate and how leaders measure success.

Sometimes, a hybrid structure works best. For example, organizing facilities geographically while grouping process data within each site combines usability with scalability.

Make Templates Work for You

Templates are AF’s most powerful feature. They allow you to “build once, scale everywhere.” Create base templates for shared attributes and derived templates for variations. This balance minimizes rework and simplifies maintenance.

How Do You Ensure People Actually Use Your Asset Framework?

Engagement, documentation, and continuous training are key. The best frameworks succeed because people understand and trust them.

Engage Early and Often

Bring in operators, engineers, and analysts early. Ask what they need from the system: the views, reports, and analytics that drive their daily decisions. When users are part of the process, adoption comes naturally.

Document for the Future

From naming conventions to data sources, documentation ensures consistency and long-term usability. It also simplifies training and onboarding new team members.

Pilot Before You Scale

Instead of launching a full enterprise rollout, begin with a small, high-value pilot project. This allows you to validate your templates, analytics, and hierarchy logic before expanding company-wide.

Step-by-Step: How to Pilot Your PI Asset Framework

1. Select a representative unit or facility.

2. Build base and derived templates.

3. Validate analytics performance and data backfill.

4. Document naming and calculation standards.

5. Scale the model across additional assets or sites.

Train Continuously

Offer ongoing training, refreshers, and internal guides. When users are confident, your AF delivers more accurate insights and long-term ROI.

What Common Pitfalls Should You Avoid in PI AF Projects?

Most issues come from poor data, overbuilt analytics, or server misconfigurations. Identifying these early helps you maintain performance and reliability.

• Poor Source Data- Inconsistent or incomplete data leads to unreliable calculations and dashboards. Validate and clean data before integrating it into your AF.

• Over-Engineered Analytics- Every calculation has a performance cost. Focus on analytics that align directly with operational goals, rather than tracking everything by default.

• Neglected Configuration- Default Analysis Service settings rarely suit every environment. Tune your configuration for how often analyses run and how backfills are processed.

• Event Frame Overload- Too many Event Frames can slow system performance, especially during startup or backfilling. Be selective about which triggers matter most.

Which Hierarchy Models Scale Best for PI Asset Frameworks?

Each structure has strengths depending on your organization’s goals. Choose one that reflects your operational reality.

Often, hybrid models offer the best balance of clarity and scale. For example, your company may organize assets geographically while maintaining process substructures within each facility.

How Can You Build a PI Asset Framework That Works as Hard as You Do?

A scalable, high-performance Asset Framework is more than an IT project; it’s a foundation for operational intelligence. When built with purpose, it becomes a living digital model of your organization that turns raw data into actionable insight.

At InCentrik, we help companies design, implement, and optimize their PI Asset Frameworks for consistency, scalability, and performance. Whether you’re starting fresh or improving an existing system, our experts ensure your PI data delivers measurable business value.

Are you ready to structure your data for smarter decisions? Contact us today to start building your PI Asset Framework with purpose.

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