Nexus training module 2 - Beyond The Surface Offshore

Module 2: Understanding NEXUS Asset Hierarchy

How Assets Are Organized & How to Find What You Need

⏱️ Reading time: 12-15 minutes | 📱 Mobile-friendly | 🖨️ Printable

🎯 What You'll Learn

By the end of this module, you'll understand:

How NEXUS organizes assets in a hierarchy (tree structure)
What parent-child relationships mean and why they matter
How to navigate the asset tree efficiently
Where to find uploaded drawings and historical inspection data
Common asset hierarchy mistakes and how to avoid them

Why Asset Hierarchy Matters

In Module 1, you learned the basics: Assets, Workpacks, Tasks, Events, Findings. You know HOW to record data.

Now you need to know WHERE to record it. That means understanding how NEXUS organizes thousands of subsea assets into a navigable structure.

🎯 The Problem: A typical subsea field might have 5,000+ individual assets. Manifolds, pipelines, risers, PLETs, anodes, clamps, valves, jumpers, umbilicals, and more. Without organization, you'd never find anything.

What Is Asset Hierarchy?

Asset Hierarchy is how NEXUS organizes assets in a tree structure, like folders on a computer:

📁 XYZ Field ├── 📁 Platform Alpha │ ├── 📁 Subsea Production System │ │ ├── 📄 Manifold M001 ← You inspect this │ │ ├── 📄 Manifold M002 │ │ └── 📄 Manifold M003 │ ├── 📁 Export System │ │ ├── 📄 Pipeline PL-001 │ │ └── 📄 Riser R-001 │ └── 📁 Umbilicals │ ├── 📄 Umbilical U-001 │ └── 📄 Umbilical U-002 └── 📁 Platform Bravo └── 📁 Subsea Tie-in System ├── 📄 PLET P-001 └── 📄 PLET P-002

Why organize this way?

Logical grouping - Related assets are together
Easy navigation - Expand folders to find what you need
Context - You know WHERE something is in the system
Permissions - Different people can access different branches
Reporting - Generate reports by system, platform, or entire field

💡 Think of it like this: Your computer has folders (Documents → Work → Projects → NEXUS Training) leading to files. NEXUS has the same structure, but instead of documents, it's subsea equipment.

Understanding Parent-Child Relationships

This is the key concept: Every asset (except root assets) has a parent.

What Does Parent-Child Mean?

📍 Real Example

Manifold M001 is a CHILD of Subsea Production System

Subsea Production System is a PARENT of Manifold M001

Subsea Production System is a CHILD of Platform Alpha

Platform Alpha is a PARENT of Subsea Production System

Why does this matter?

Inheritance: Children can inherit properties from parents (like default inspection intervals)
Navigation: To find Manifold M001, you follow: Field → Platform → System → Manifold
Context: You know Manifold M001 BELONGS TO the Subsea Production System
Reporting: Inspect all children under "Subsea Production System" = all manifolds in that system

Types of Assets in the Hierarchy

1. Root Assets (Top Level)

Have NO parent
Usually: Fields, Platforms, or major structures
Example: "XYZ Field", "Platform Alpha"

2. Parent Assets (Folders)

Have a parent above them
Have children below them
Usually: Systems, subsystems, groupings
Example: "Subsea Production System", "Export System"
In NEXUS: Shown with a folder icon and can be expanded/collapsed

3. Child Assets (End Points)

Have a parent above them
Have NO children below them
Usually: Individual pieces of equipment you actually inspect
Example: "Manifold M001", "Pipeline PL-001", "Anode A-123"
In NEXUS: Cannot be expanded (no children underneath)

⚠️ Important: Some assets can be BOTH parent AND child. A "Manifold M001" might be a parent to individual components like "Flange connections", "Anodes", "Valves" etc. It depends how the client has structured their hierarchy.

Linked Assets

Sometimes you'll see the same asset appear in multiple places in the tree. This is a linked asset.

📍 Example: Pipeline PL-001

This pipeline might appear:

Under "Platform Alpha → Export System → Pipeline PL-001"
AND under "Pipelines → Export Pipelines → Pipeline PL-001"

It's the SAME asset - just linked in two locations for different organizational views. Any data you enter appears in BOTH locations.

💡 Pro Tip: If you're creating an event on a linked asset, it doesn't matter which location you use. The event attaches to the asset itself, not the location in the tree.

Navigating the Asset Tree

The asset tree is on the left side of the INSPECTION screen. This is your navigation panel.

📸 Screenshot Placeholder:
INSPECTION screen showing asset tree on left side with expandable folders

Basic Navigation Controls

Expand/Collapse:

Click the [+] or [▶] next to an asset to expand it (show children)
Click the [-] or [▼] to collapse it (hide children)
Double-click an asset name to expand/collapse

Select an Asset:

Single-click on an asset name to select it
The right pane updates to show that asset's information
Selected asset is highlighted (usually blue or bold)

Keyboard Shortcuts:

Arrow Up/Down - Move between assets
Arrow Right - Expand selected folder
Arrow Left - Collapse selected folder
Home - Jump to top of tree
End - Jump to bottom of visible tree

Finding Assets Quickly

Method 1: Search Function (Fastest)

💡 Search Tips:

Search is NOT case-sensitive (M001 = m001)
Use partial names if you're not sure (search "Man" finds "Manifold M001")
Search looks at asset NAME only, not asset type or other fields

Method 2: Manual Navigation

Start at the top level (Field or Platform)
Expand each folder level by level
Follow the logical path to your asset
Good when you need to see context or related assets

Method 3: Recent Assets / Breadcrumbs

NEXUS often shows "recently viewed" assets
Some versions show a breadcrumb trail at top
Use "Back" button (toolbar) to return to previous asset

Common Navigation Mistakes

❌ Don't Do This

Expanding every single folder looking for your asset. You'll be there all day.

✓ Do This Instead

Use Ctrl+F search to jump directly to the asset by name.

❌ Don't Do This

Creating events on the wrong asset because you didn't check the full path.

✓ Do This Instead

Check the full hierarchy to confirm you're on the right asset (look at parent names).

❌ Don't Do This

Assuming similar names are the same asset (M001 vs M001-A vs M001-Backup).

✓ Do This Instead

Read the FULL asset name and check location in hierarchy.

Finding Uploaded Drawings & Historical Data

Once you've found your asset in the tree, you need to access its information.

Asset Information Tabs/Panes

When you select an asset, the right side of the INSPECTION screen shows various tabs or panes:

Tab/Pane	What's In It	When You Use It
Information	Basic asset details (type, ID, installation date, location, specifications)	Pre-inspection: Learn what you're inspecting
Events	All inspection events on this asset (GVI, UT, ACFM, etc.)	Review previous inspections, create new events
Findings	All findings ever recorded on this asset	Check if issues were found before, see trends
Anomalies	Tracked defects requiring monitoring/remediation	See known issues being tracked long-term
Drawings	Uploaded schematics, P&IDs, isometrics, photos	Pre-inspection: Orient yourself to asset layout
Documents	Reports, procedures, data sheets, certificates	Access specifications, previous reports
Multimedia	Photos, videos from previous inspections	See what asset looked like before
History	Timeline of all changes/events on this asset	Audit trail of what's been done

📊 Note: Not all NEXUS installations have all these tabs. Your client may have customized which Asset Information Groups are visible. The names might also vary slightly.

Accessing Historical Inspection Data

Scenario: You need to see what was found on Manifold M001 last time.

Navigate to Manifold M001 in asset tree
Use search (Ctrl+F) or manual navigation
Click on "Events" tab/pane
Shows list of all inspection events on this asset
Sort by date (newest first)
Click the "Date" column header to sort
Double-click the most recent event
Opens the event details showing what was inspected
Look at Findings tab within that event
Shows what was discovered during that inspection

💡 Pre-Inspection Workflow: ALWAYS check previous events and findings BEFORE your inspection. You need to know:

What was found last time?
Has anything been getting worse?
Are there known problem areas to focus on?
When was it last inspected? (Helps gauge marine growth, corrosion progression)

Accessing Uploaded Drawings

Scenario: You need the P&ID for Manifold M001 before inspecting.

⚠️ Common Issue: Sometimes drawings are uploaded at the PARENT level (e.g., "Subsea Production System") rather than on individual assets. If you don't see drawings on "Manifold M001", check its parent folders.

Tip: Inheritance and Where to Look

If you can't find something on the asset itself, check parents:

📁 Platform Alpha ← System-wide drawings here └── 📁 Subsea Production System ← Subsystem drawings here └── 📄 Manifold M001 ← Specific manifold drawings here

Where to find:

Overall field layout: Root level (Field or Platform)
System schematics: System level (e.g., "Subsea Production System")
Specific equipment drawings: Individual asset level (e.g., "Manifold M001")

Practical Workflow: Using Asset Hierarchy in Real Work

🎬 SCENARIO: Your First Day

Client rep hands you workpack "2024-Q2-Subsea-ROV" with 5 tasks:

Task 1: GVI on Manifold M001
Task 2: GVI on Manifold M002
Task 3: GVI on PLET P-001
Task 4: UT on Pipeline PL-001 (KP 2.5)
Task 5: GVI on Riser R-001

ROV is ready. You need to prep.

Step-by-Step Prep Using Asset Hierarchy

For EACH task, you'll navigate the asset hierarchy to gather information:

Task 1: GVI on Manifold M001

Open NEXUS INSPECTION screen
Asset tree visible on left
Press Ctrl+F, search "M001"
NEXUS jumps to Manifold M001 in tree
Verify you're on correct asset
Check full path: Platform Alpha → Subsea Production System → Manifold M001 ✓
Click "Information" tab
Note: Installed 2019, Critical Asset: Yes, Type: Production Manifold
Click "Drawings" tab
Open "M001-P&ID-Rev3.pdf" - study layout, note anode locations
Click "Events" tab, sort by date
Last GVI: 6 months ago by Inspector J.Smith
Double-click that event, review findings
Previous: Light corrosion on NE flange, Anode #3 at 50% remaining
Note areas to focus on
Check if NE flange corrosion has progressed, measure Anode #3 depletion

Repeat this workflow for each task before ROV launches. Takes 5-10 minutes per asset = 30-50 minutes total prep for 5 tasks.

🎯 Why This Matters: By using the asset hierarchy to prep, you:

Know what to look for (historical context)
Have drawings oriented (faster inspection)
Can track trends (is corrosion worsening?)
Look professional (client sees you're thorough)

Common Asset Hierarchy Mistakes

Mistake #1: Wrong Asset Selected

Problem: You search "M001", find an asset called "M001", create event... but it's M001-BACKUP not M001-PRODUCTION.

Solution: Always verify the FULL ASSET PATH. Check parent names to confirm correct location.

Mistake #2: Creating Events on Parent Folders

Problem: You select "Subsea Production System" (the folder) and try to create an event. NEXUS either errors or creates event on wrong level.

Solution: Inspect EQUIPMENT (child assets), not SYSTEMS (parent folders). Navigate down to the actual manifold, pipe, riser, etc.

Mistake #3: Not Checking Historical Data

Problem: You inspect asset fresh without knowing previous findings. Miss that corrosion has progressed from 1mm to 5mm.

Solution: ALWAYS review Events and Findings tabs before inspecting. Context is critical.

Mistake #4: Looking for Drawings in Wrong Place

Problem: Can't find drawings on individual asset.

Solution: Check parent levels. System drawings often at folder level, not individual asset level.

Mistake #5: Confusing Linked Assets

Problem: Same asset appears in two places, you think they're different assets.

Solution: Check Asset ID or look for "linked" indicator. It's the same asset, data syncs between both locations.

💡 When In Doubt: Ask the client rep! "Is this the correct asset?" or "Where are the drawings for this system?" They know their hierarchy structure.

🎓 Module 2 Key Takeaways

You now understand:

✅ Asset hierarchy organizes thousands of assets in a tree structure (folders and files)
✅ Parent-child relationships define WHERE assets belong in the system
✅ Use Ctrl+F search to find assets quickly instead of clicking through folders
✅ Historical data lives in Events, Findings, and Anomalies tabs on each asset
✅ Drawings can be on the asset itself OR on parent folders (check both)
✅ Always verify full asset path before creating events (avoid wrong asset mistakes)

Most important lesson: The asset hierarchy isn't just organization - it's context. Knowing WHERE an asset sits in the system helps you understand its importance, relationships, and history.

🚀 What's Next: Module 3

Now that you understand HOW assets are organized, Module 3 will walk you through completing your first workpack end-to-end:

Receiving and reviewing a workpack
Planning your inspection sequence
Using asset hierarchy to prep efficiently
Recording data as you go
Quality checking before handover
Client rep review process

📚 Practice Exercise: Next time you open NEXUS:

Pick any asset and trace its full path from root to asset
Find its most recent inspection event
Look for uploaded drawings (check parent levels if needed)
Practice using Ctrl+F to jump between different assets

Familiarity with navigation = speed = more time for quality inspection work.