Metadata
Metadata (in the UI: the Metadata section) is static information attached to every asset: it does not come from the device; you enter it when creating or editing the asset.
It is separate from IoT connectivity and telemetry variables:
| Section | What it defines |
|---|---|
| IoT connectivity | Protocol and connection settings |
| Metadata | Schema of static fields (e.g. serial number, site, notes) |
| Telemetry | Live fields read/written from the device |
On the template you define which metadata fields exist; on each asset you fill in their values.
Metadata field options
For each row under Metadata you can configure:
| Option | Effect |
|---|---|
| Name | Label shown in the UI |
| Type | Boolean, Number, String or Date |
| Required | If enabled, must be filled when creating/editing an asset |
Serial number
The first metadata field is typically Serial number (serial_number): it is required and locked (you cannot delete or reorder it). It identifies the physical unit and is often used as the initial value for the External ID.
You can add other free-form metadata fields (e.g. "Site", "Customer", "Install date") based on the product you are modelling.
Where metadata is used
- When creating an asset, by filling the fields defined by the template.
- On the asset detail page (Settings → general data).
- As columns/filters in the asset list, when configured.
- In alarm rule messages via placeholders such as
{{serialNumber}}.