Work Order
A work order is a document that authorizes and details a specific job, such as manufacturing a product or performing maintenance.
A work order is an internal document that triggers, schedules, and tracks a manufacturing job. It contains all information needed to complete the work. This includes the part number, quantity, bill of materials (BOM), and routing (sequence of operations). It also specifies due dates, assigned personnel or work centers, and any special instructions.
The work order lifecycle begins when it is created, often based on a customer's sales order or a master production schedule. It is then released to the shop floor. Operators follow the work order's instructions at each production step. They record material consumption, labor hours, and machine time against the work order. This data is critical for job costing and inventory management.
Work orders are the primary mechanism for shop floor control. They translate production plans into actionable tasks for operators. They provide a standardized way to communicate requirements and track progress. This ensures that the correct products are made in the correct quantity and on time. They also create a detailed production history for traceability and quality assurance.
Manufacturers implement work orders in two main ways. Traditionally, they used paper-based travelers that moved with the parts through the factory. Today, many use digital work orders within a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Digital work orders enable real-time status updates, reduce paperwork errors, and allow for direct data collection from machines.
A CNC machine shop receives an order for 150 aluminum housings. The planner generates Work Order #7821, which details the specific aluminum alloy, the CNC program to run, and the required finishing steps. As the job moves from the lathe to the mill, operators scan their badge and the work order to log their time.
What is the difference between a work order and a purchase order?
A work order is an internal document for producing goods or services. A purchase order is an external document used to buy goods or services from a supplier.
What information is typically on a work order?
A work order usually includes a unique ID, part number and description, quantity, bill of materials, routing steps, due date, and customer information.
Can a work order be used for maintenance?
Yes. Maintenance departments use work orders to schedule and track tasks like preventive maintenance, equipment repairs, and calibrations.
How do digital work orders improve shop floor operations?
Digital work orders provide real-time visibility into job status, reduce manual data entry errors, and make it easier to attach digital work instructions or drawings.
Who creates a work order?
A production planner, scheduler, or supervisor typically creates a work order based on customer demand or the production plan.
Bill of Materials
BOMA Bill of Materials (BOM) is a complete list of the raw materials, components, and assemblies required to build a product.
Master Production Schedule
MPSA detailed plan that specifies what end products to build, how many are needed, and when they are needed.
Manufacturing Execution System
MESA Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is software that tracks and documents the transformation of raw materials into finished goods in real time.
Work in Progress
WIPWork in Progress (WIP) is the inventory of partially finished goods waiting for completion and final inspection.
Job Costing
Job costing is an accounting method that tracks the costs of materials, labor, and overhead for a specific manufacturing job or work order.
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