Glossary · Manufacturing systems
Work order
Also known as: Production order, Manufacturing order
German: Fertigungsauftrag
In manufacturing, a work order is the instruction to produce a specified quantity of a product by a specified date, derived from planning and containing the relevant BOM, routing and material requirements.
- Manufacturing systems
In one sentence
A work order instructs production to make a specified quantity of a product by a date, with its BOM, routing and materials.
Example
Work order 100482 for 500 valve bodies is released to the MES, which dispatches its operations to the machining and assembly work centers.
How it applies
- Planning: ERP creates work orders from planning; each order carries a copy of the BOM and routing valid at creation, so later master data changes don't silently alter running orders.
- Execution: The MES dispatches the order's operations, records material consumption, times and quality data, and reports completion to ERP.
- Traceability: The work order links finished units to materials, equipment and records; it is often the anchor of Product genealogy and batch records.
- Documentation: Documents issued with a work order (drawings, instructions, inspection plans) must be the revisions valid for that order. Electronic delivery through the MES reduces the risk of outdated paper copies.
Work order vs. maintenance work order
In maintenance management, a work order instructs a maintenance task. The German Fertigungsauftrag refers only to production; use a qualifier when both meanings occur.