asset and entities
In our standard data model, any kind of information can be put into one of two classes: Things or People. These are represented in EBlocks as objects we call Assets and Entities.
assets represent things
An asset is basically a collection of fields for storing data about a thing. Precisely what fields are available depend on the type of an asset and are determined by the definitions it inherits from various prototype assets.
At the outset of each project we work with our clients to define the prototype assets that are needed. These are created through a web-based administration tool, which means that we can quickly respond to any changes that are necessary throughout the project lifecycle. Often a small change to the data storage requirement takes only five minutes to complete and make live.
entities represent people
An entity is a representation of a person, group or company. Relationships can be created between entities so that people can belong to groups, which in turn can belong to a company, which may itself belong to a number of groups.
At the most basic level an entity has only a name and description. Additional information is stored in objects known as details - that are associated with an entity. Much like an asset, a detail has a flexible collection of fields which are determined by the prototypes it inherits from.