Creating Work Orders
Learn how to create work orders for different scenarios - from emergency repairs to scheduled maintenance.
Quick Create Methods
Method 1: Standard Creation
- Click Work Orders in navigation
- Click "+ New Work Order"
- Fill in required information
- Click "Create"
Method 2: From Account
- Navigate to customer account
- Click "Create Work Order"
- Account auto-populates
- Complete remaining fields
Method 3: From Asset
- Go to asset page
- Click "Schedule Service"
- Asset and account auto-fill
- Add service details
Method 4: Customer Portal
- Customers submit requests
- Auto-creates work order
- Routes for approval
- Notifies dispatcher
Required Information
Customer & Location
- Account: Select customer
- Service Address: Where to perform work
- Contact Person: Who to call
- Phone Number: Best contact method
- Access Instructions: Gate codes, parking
Service Details
- Title: Brief description (e.g., "AC Not Cooling")
- Description: Detailed problem/request
- Service Type: Category of work
- Priority: Emergency, High, Normal, Low
- Requested Date: When customer wants service
Asset Information
- Asset: Equipment to service (optional)
- Location Details: Floor, room, area
- Problem Code: If using standard codes
- Service History: Auto-shows previous work
Work Order Types
Emergency Service
For urgent issues requiring immediate response:
Priority: Emergency
Response Time: 2 hours
Auto-dispatch: Yes
Override Schedule: Yes
Customer Notification: Immediate
Best Practices:
- Clear problem description
- Accurate contact info
- Note safety hazards
- Confirm availability
- Set expectations
Scheduled Maintenance
For routine, preventive services:
Type: Preventive Maintenance
Recurrence: Monthly/Quarterly/Annual
Generate: 30 days in advance
Auto-assign: Based on territory
Forms: PM Checklist required
Setup Tips:
- Link to maintenance contract
- Include service checklist
- Set standard duration
- Define parts needed
- Schedule during business hours
Installation/Project
For new equipment or systems:
Type: Installation
Phases: Multiple work orders
Dependencies: Sequential tasks
Resources: Multiple technicians
Duration: Extended timeframe
Planning Steps:
- Create project template
- Define phase sequence
- Assign resources
- Set milestones
- Track progress
Inspection
For audits and compliance:
Type: Inspection
Forms: Required checklists
Photos: Before/after required
Compliance: Track pass/fail
Follow-up: Auto-generate if failed
Advanced Options
Scheduling Details
- Duration: Estimated time needed
- Arrival Window: Customer expectation
- Technician: Specific assignment
- Skills Required: Certifications needed
- Tools Required: Special equipment
Instructions & Notes
- Internal Notes: Team-only information
- Technician Instructions: Specific directions
- Customer Notes: Visible to customer
- Safety Warnings: Hazards to note
- Parts List: Expected materials
Attachments
- Previous service reports
- Equipment manuals
- Photos of issues
- Customer communications
- Warranty documents
Bulk Creation
Recurring Services
Create multiple work orders at once:
- Set up recurrence pattern
- Define date range
- Select affected assets
- Review generated orders
- Confirm creation
Import from CSV
For large batches:
Account,Asset,Title,Description,Date,Priority
"ABC Corp","AC-001","PM Service","Quarterly maintenance","2024-03-01","Normal"
"ABC Corp","AC-002","PM Service","Quarterly maintenance","2024-03-01","Normal"
Templates
Save time with templates:
- Create template from existing order
- Name and categorize
- Use for similar work
- Modify as needed
Assignment Rules
Auto-Assignment
Set rules for automatic assignment:
- By territory/zip code
- By skill requirements
- By availability
- By workload balance
- Round-robin distribution
Manual Assignment
Consider these factors:
- Technician skills
- Previous experience
- Customer preference
- Current location
- Schedule availability
Team Assignment
For complex work:
- Assign lead technician
- Add support team
- Define roles
- Coordinate schedules
- Track all time
Customer Communication
Appointment Booking
- Send available time slots
- Customer selects preference
- Auto-confirm appointment
- Send calendar invite
- Reminder notifications
Status Updates
Keep customers informed:
- Order created confirmation
- Technician assigned
- On the way notification
- Work completed
- Follow-up survey
Access Requirements
Document clearly:
- Gate/door codes
- Parking instructions
- Pet information
- Contact preferences
- Special requirements
Quality Controls
Required Fields
Enforce data quality:
- Minimum description length
- Valid phone numbers
- Complete addresses
- Asset selection
- Priority justification
Approval Workflow
For certain scenarios:
- High-value work
- After-hours service
- Non-contract work
- Special resources
- Customer authorization
Duplicate Prevention
System checks for:
- Same asset/same day
- Similar descriptions
- Recent completions
- Open work orders
- Recurring conflicts
Tips for Success
Clear Descriptions
Good: "2nd floor conference room AC not cooling. Thermostat shows 78°F but set to 72°F. Started yesterday afternoon."
Bad: "AC broken"
Accurate Priorities
- Emergency: Safety issue, major impact
- High: Business disruption
- Normal: Standard service
- Low: Convenience items
Complete Information
- Verify contact numbers
- Confirm service address
- Note access details
- Include asset info
- Set realistic dates
Mobile Creation
Field techs can create on-site:
- Use current location
- Scan asset QR code
- Take problem photos
- Get customer signature
- Assign to self
Common Scenarios
Follow-up Work Order
When additional work needed:
- Create from completed order
- Reference original
- Note what's needed
- Link for history
- Schedule appropriately
Warranty Service
For covered repairs:
- Verify warranty status
- Note coverage details
- Flag as warranty
- Track separately
- Different billing
Multi-Trade Coordination
When multiple skills needed:
- Create parent order
- Add child orders by trade
- Set dependencies
- Coordinate schedules
- Track overall progress