Glossary
What Is a Work Order in Manufacturing?
Clear definition, a shop-floor example, related terms and the FOS modules that put it into practice.
Definitions · examples · module links
Answer
What is a manufacturing work order?
A work order is the shop-floor execution document for making a quantity of an item. It typically carries the BOM to issue, the routing or operations to complete, quality gates, and completion into finished goods or the next assembly. Work orders can be raised from MRP or manually for rework and samples.
Manufacturing example
MRP proposes a work order for 20 welded frames. The planner releases it; stores issues plate against the BOM; weld and grind report quantities; QC holds the batch until inspection passes; completion receipts frames into FG ready for dispatch.
Inputs
Item, quantity, BOM revision, routing, need date, linked sales order when make-to-order.
Outputs
Material issues, operation status, WIP, FG receipt, quality records.
FOS modules
See the term on your shop floor.
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Explore related topics
Who creates work orders?
Planners often release MRP suggestions; supervisors may create rework or sample orders under your approval rules.
What should a work order include?
Item, quantity, BOM revision, operations or routing, need date, and links to the sales order when make-to-order.
How do quality gates relate?
Inspection plans can sit on operations so failed checks block progress or dispatch when configured.
Which FOS module?
Production — /modules/production — fed by Planning & MRP.
Related terms?
See /glossary/wip, /glossary/bom and /glossary/mrp.