Werkorders

A werkorder, in English usually called a work order, is a document or digital record that authorizes and guides the execution of a specific task. It is used in maintenance, manufacturing, facilities management and service operations to specify what must be done, which resources are needed and who is responsible for carrying out and reporting on the work.

A typical werkorder includes several core elements: a unique identifier, reference to the asset or location, a clear description of the required work, priority and planned start and end dates, the skills or trades required, the person or team assigned, necessary materials and tools, estimated effort and costs, safety and compliance requirements, and the current status (for example open, in progress, completed, closed). It may also contain approvals, attachments and a change log to document amendments and history.

Lifecycle and workflow usually follow a pattern: creation or receipt of a task, planning and scheduling, assignment, execution, time and material recording, inspection or testing, and closeout with documentation and archival. Changes are logged to maintain traceability and accountability.

Types commonly encountered include preventive maintenance (PM), corrective maintenance, predictive maintenance, service requests, calibration tasks and project work. In manufacturing, production-related work orders may also be issued. Werkorders are frequently managed in CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) or ERP systems, which link to asset management, inventory, procurement and cost reporting.

Benefits of using werkorders include improved asset uptime, standardized work processes, enhanced visibility and cost control. Challenges can involve maintaining data quality, accurate labor and material estimation, and user adoption and change management. The term reflects Dutch usage, where the concept aligns with the broader notion of a work order in maintenance and operations.