Overview
A Work Order is a scheduled task that allows your team to track and complete work related to a sales order or service call. Instead of relying on handwritten notes or verbal requests, work orders are created within the system and added directly to the Delivery Scheduler or Service Scheduler. Using work orders helps ensure that required tasks are visible, assigned, and completed as part of your team's daily workflow.
Why Use Work Orders?
Work orders provide a centralized way to schedule and manage tasks that need to be completed before, during, or after a delivery or service appointment.
Benefits include:
Eliminates handwritten notes and informal requests
Keeps tasks organized within the scheduling system
Improves communication between departments
Ensures work is assigned and tracked
Gives everyone visibility into outstanding tasks
When Should You Create a Work Order?
Create a work order whenever work needs to be scheduled outside of the standard sales or service process.
Common examples include:
Product assembly
Product modifications
Installation preparation
Follow-up visits
Service preparation
Corrective work after delivery
Delivery Work Order Examples
Work orders can be used to schedule preparation tasks before a delivery takes place.
Examples include:
Assemble a grill before delivery
Install an ice maker in a refrigerator
Reverse refrigerator doors
Assemble furniture before delivery
Prepare products for customer pickup
These tasks can be scheduled several days before the delivery so they become part of the team's planned workload.
Service Work Order Examples
Work orders are also useful for service-related tasks.
Examples include:
Verify required replacement parts before a service call
Perform a follow-up inspection
Complete a corrective visit after installation
Schedule warranty-related work
Perform additional service requested by the customer
By scheduling these activities, technicians can better prepare for appointments and reduce repeat visits.
Example Scenario
A washing machine is installed at a customer's home. After installation, the customer reports that the hot and cold water connections appear to be reversed.
Instead of writing a note or verbally notifying the delivery manager, you can:
Create a work order.
Schedule it on the Delivery Scheduler.
Assign it to the appropriate technician or delivery team.
Include instructions describing the issue.
The work order becomes part of the scheduled route, ensuring the issue is tracked and resolved.
How Work Orders Improve Scheduling
Without work orders, tasks are often communicated through paper notes, emails, or verbal conversations, making them easy to overlook.
With work orders:
Tasks appear directly on the Delivery or Service Scheduler.
Managers can assign work to the appropriate team.
Technicians have clear instructions.
Everyone has visibility into pending work.
This creates a more organized and reliable scheduling process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a work order?
A work order is a scheduled task associated with a delivery or service activity. It allows your team to track and complete work that needs to be performed before, during, or after a customer appointment.
Where are work orders scheduled?
Work orders can be scheduled on either the:
Delivery Scheduler
Service Scheduler
depending on the type of work being performed.
Are work orders only for service calls?
No. Work orders can be used for both delivery and service operations, including product preparation, assembly, installations, inspections, and follow-up work.
Why are work orders better than handwritten notes?
Work orders keep tasks within the system where they can be scheduled, assigned, tracked, and completed. This improves visibility, accountability, and communication across your team.
Related Topics
Creating a Work Order
Creating a Work Order for an Invoiced Sales Order
Scheduling Work Orders
Delivery Scheduler
Service Scheduler