Understanding Work Order and Work Order Request: A Beginner’s Guide

Emma AndersonMarch 27, 2023

As a beginner in the world of the work order and work order request, I was surprised to learn that work orders and work order requests are much more common than I had initially thought and that they play a vital role in keeping businesses running smoothly. In fact, according to a recent survey, nearly 90% of organizations rely on work order systems to manage their maintenance and repair tasks

But what exactly are work orders and work order requests, and why are they so important? To answer these questions, I turned to experts in the field and shared what I learned in this beginner’s guide to work order and work order requests.

So whether you are new to the concept or simply looking to improve your understanding, this guide will provide a solid foundation for navigating the world of work orders and work order requests

In this blog, you’ll learn:

A work order is a document or an instruction that contains information about a task or a job that needs to be performed. It could be a routine maintenance task or a repair task

On the other hand, a work order request is a request made to the maintenance or operations team for a specific job to be performed. It could be fixing broken equipment, repairing a leaky faucet, or cleaning up a specific area

Difference Between Work Order and Work Request

A document or instruction that contains information about a task or a job that needs to be performed

Types of Work Order Processes

Work order requests are typically made by individuals or departments within an organization to request the completion of a specific task or job. The type of work order request can vary depending on the task’s nature, the request’s urgency, and the department or individual making the request. Here are the three most common types of work order requests:

Reactive Work Order Requests

They are made in response to an urgent issue or problem that needs to be addressed immediately. These requests often require immediate attention to prevent further damage, safety hazards, or operational disruptions. Examples of reactive work order requests include fixing a leaky pipe, repairing a broken-down machine, or replacing a damaged component

Preventive Maintenance Work Order Requests

Preventive maintenance work order requests are designed to ensure that equipment, facilities, and systems function optimally and prevent unscheduled downtime. Examples of preventive maintenance work order requests include regular inspections, lubrication of machinery, and equipment calibration

Corrective Maintenance Work Order Requests

Corrective maintenance work order requests are made to fix issues identified during routine inspections or preventive maintenance tasks. These requests are typically less urgent than reactive work order requests but are still essential to address to ensure the efficient functioning of equipment, facilities, and systems.

Examples of corrective maintenance work order requests include replacing a worn-out belt, repairing a damaged electrical component, or fixing a malfunctioning system

Process of Submitting a Work Order Request

Manufacturing Facility

Work order requests are frequently submitted for reactive maintenance tasks to fix broken-down machinery or equipment in a manufacturing facility. For example, if a production line comes to a halt due to a malfunctioning conveyor belt or a defective motor, a work order request would be submitted to the maintenance department to fix the issue as soon as possible. These time-sensitive requests can result in costly downtime if not addressed promptly

Office Building

In an office building, work order requests is commonly submitted for preventive maintenance tasks such as routine inspections or minor repairs. For example, if a light bulb needs to be replaced or a door handle is loose, a work order request would be submitted to the facilities management department to address the issue. These requests are typically less urgent but essential to ensure the building remains safe and functional

Hospital

In a hospital, work order requests are often submitted for reactive maintenance tasks to fix urgent issues that can affect patient care. For example, if a critical piece of medical equipment malfunctions or a plumbing issue arises in a patient room, a work order request would be submitted to the facilities management department to address the issue immediately. These requests are critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of patients and must be addressed promptly

Conclusion

Work orders and work order requests are an integral part of maintenance and operations management. They help ensure that all tasks are performed efficiently and on time. By understanding the different types of work order requests and the process of submitting them, facility managers and operations managers can streamline their operations and ensure that all stakeholders are satisfied. Also, work order management software helps to easily assign work orders to the right technicians and resolve all kinds of work requests. You can also checkout our guide on the best work order management software that will make your purchase easy and you land up with right tool.

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