When should the couple, bearing type, seal, and other parts of an asset be added to the database?

Adding the couple, bearing type, seal, and other parts of an asset to the database is most appropriately done when making the Bill of Materials. This phase involves cataloging all necessary components and materials required for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the asset. By documenting these parts at this stage, it ensures that the information is accurate and readily available when needed for maintenance activities, troubleshooting, ordering replacements, and making informed decisions about asset management.

Compiling a Bill of Materials allows for greater insight into the asset's design and operational requirements, ensuring that maintenance staff and engineers have access to the correct specifications. This practice contributes significantly to the overall reliability and efficiency of asset management systems.

While it might seem advantageous to include this information during routine checks, at the end of the asset's lifecycle, or while developing training for maintenance staff, those options do not provide the foundational and proactive approach required for effective asset management. Instead, they focus more on reactive or contextual methods rather than establishing a comprehensive database during the planning and documentation phase.