workorder

A workorder, or work order, is a formal document or electronic instruction used to request and authorize the performance of work on an asset, facility, or process. It is used in maintenance, repair, and operations across industries to organize tasks, assign resources, and track execution and costs.

A work order typically identifies the asset or location, describes the task, sets priority, and records information such as requester, assignee, start and due dates, estimated labor and materials, and safety requirements. It may include bill of materials, required skills, steps to perform, and acceptance criteria.

Workflow usually follows creation, assignment, scheduling, work execution, time and material recording, and closeout. During execution, technicians log labor hours, attach notes and photos, update status, and record parts used. The completed work order is reviewed, verified as done, and closed for accounting and reporting.

Common types include preventive maintenance orders, corrective maintenance orders, service requests, and fabrication or project work orders. Fields often include asset ID, location, priority, status, work center, due date, estimated vs actual hours, parts, cost codes, and approvals. Status codes may include Open, In Progress, On Hold, Completed, and Closed.

Digital work orders are managed in systems such as CMMS, EAM, or ERP modules, enabling integration with inventory, purchasing, and scheduling. Benefits include improved asset reliability, reduced downtime, better cost control, auditability, and standardized workflows.