A method and apparatus for embedding critical data directly onboard a physical asset is disclosed. Since the critical data and the asset are never separated, accurate and timely data pertinent to the asset travels with it, and may be written, read, and updated. Accurate data collection ensures a digital model/twin of the asset reflects the true physical state of the asset. Data is embedding optically or magnetically and may be read or rewritten so that information about the life/usage of the asset is continually available, right up to the current state.