1. A computer system for processing individual data objects, the system comprising: a data repository for individual objects, each individual object a) pertains to a unique asset within an asset family, b) is associated with an object family corresponding to the asset family, and c) includes, when first created, a unique identifier value, and capable of including additional attributes and attribute values; and an executable software module that adds attributes to an individual object based on user input, and that associates an attribute value with each added attribute.