Work Orders and Production Planning

What does work orders and production planning do in SERP?

Work orders connect a production requirement to materials, execution, finished output and costing. SERP connects this work with manufacturing, so users can review its operational context through the related records.

Business problem it addresses

A single open-order status cannot explain whether materials have been issued, production has happened or costs have been reviewed.

Key functions

• Review item, BOM, component availability and sales-order context.
• Distinguish release, material issue, job activity and output.
• Use planning and costing inquiries before closing work.

How the workflow works

1. Review requirement and BOM.
2. Create work order.
3. Release and issue.
4. Record activity and output.
5. Review cost and close.

Example business scenario

A sales-driven requirement has an unavailable component. Planning reviews the BOM and stock position before production begins, then tracks issued material and manufactured output separately through execution.

Controls and availability

Held sales-order lines can block work-order creation. Closed orders cannot be edited, and a work order cannot be reduced below the quantity already manufactured.

How to assess the result

Compare the work-order requirement with issued components and recorded output. Use costing and manufacturing inquiries to investigate differences before closing. A released order with no output needs a different explanation from completed production awaiting cost review.

Connected SERP capabilities

Read the Manufacturing module guide for the wider process and SERP reporting for the distinction between a transaction document and an analytical report.