Work Orders

Manage detailed manufacturing operations with tablet interface and quality control

The MRP Workorder module (MRP II) extends Odoo's manufacturing capabilities with advanced work order management, quality control integration, employee time tracking, and shop floor tablet interface.

This module enables detailed production planning, execution tracking, and quality assurance at the operation level.

Work Orders
Quality Control
Tablet Interface
Employee Tracking
Shop Floor

Key Features

Key points

  • Work Order Management: Track individual operations within production orders

  • Quality Control Integration: Integrate quality checks directly into workflow

  • Shop Floor Tablet Interface: Touch-optimized interface for production floor

  • Employee Time Tracking: Track labor time and costs

  • Work Order Planning: Visual planning and scheduling tools

  • Barcode Scanning: Support for scanning materials and employee badges


Work Order Management

Work orders represent individual manufacturing operations within a production order. Each work order is linked to a specific operation in the Bill of Materials.

Key points

  • Track production progress at the operation level

  • Manage material consumption and byproduct registration

  • Record time spent by employees and workcenters

  • Integrate automatic quality checks from quality points


Work Order States

Work Order States

StateMeaningAction
PendingWaiting for previous operations to completeWait for dependencies
ReadyAll dependencies met, can be startedClick Start
ProgressCurrently being worked onComplete work
DoneCompleted successfullyMove to next operation
CancelCancelled before completionNot executed

Executing Work Orders

Steps

  • 1. Go to Manufacturing → Planning → Work Orders.

  • 2. Select a work order in Ready state.

  • 3. Click Start to begin (system starts time tracking).

  • 4. Employees scan badges or enter PIN to log in.

  • 5. Perform work following instructions and complete quality checks.

  • 6. Click Finish when complete to end the work order.


Shop Floor Tablet Interface

The tablet interface is optimized for shop floor use with touch screens.

Key points

  • Fullscreen mode with large buttons for easy operation

  • Barcode scanning support for materials, products, and employee badges

  • Real-time work order status updates

  • Step-by-step quality check guidance

  • Visual worksheets and instructions


Quality Control Integration

The module integrates quality checks directly into the manufacturing workflow.

Quality Check Types

TypeDescription
InstructionsDisplay guidance to operators
Pass/FailSimple approval checks
MeasureRecord numeric measurements with tolerances
Take PictureCapture visual documentation
Register ProductionRecord finished product quantities
Register ByproductsRecord byproduct quantities
Register Consumed MaterialsTrack component consumption
Print LabelGenerate product labels

Processing Quality Checks

Steps

  • 1. Work order displays current quality check.

  • 2. Follow instructions or perform measurements.

  • 3. Record results (pass/fail, measurements, pictures).

  • 4. System advances to next check automatically.

  • 5. All checks must pass before work order can be finished.


Employee Time Tracking

Track labor costs and productivity.

Key points

  • Employee login/logout with PIN authentication

  • Multiple employees can work on the same work order

  • Automatic time tracking when work orders are started/paused

  • Employee cost calculation based on hourly rates

  • Session management for connected employees


Employee Roles

FieldsTrường dữ liệuDescription
Session OwnerChủ sessionThe main employee who started the work order, can control start/stop
Connected EmployeesNhân viên kết nốiAdditional employees logged into the session
Assigned EmployeesNhân viên được gánEmployees pre-assigned to the work order
Allowed EmployeesNhân viên được phépEmployees authorized to work on the work center

Recording Production

Steps

  • 1. Scan or enter component barcodes to consume materials.

  • 2. Enter actual quantity produced.

  • 3. System validates against planned quantities.

  • 4. For tracked products, specify lot/serial numbers.

  • 5. Register byproducts if applicable.


Backorder Handling

When producing less than planned quantity, the system handles backorders.

Key points

  • System prompts to create a backorder for remaining quantity

  • Original work order closes with actual quantity

  • New work order created for remaining quantity

  • Quality checks are recreated for the backorder


Proposing Changes

During production, operators can suggest improvements.

Key points

  • Update Step: Modify instructions for a quality check

  • Remove Step: Suggest removing an unnecessary check

  • Set Picture: Add visual documentation to a step

  • Changes are logged and can be applied to the BoM for future orders


Work Center Configuration

Steps

  • 1. Go to Manufacturing → Configuration → Work Centers.

  • 2. Configure employee authorization (all employees or specific list).

  • 3. Set hourly costs for the work center.

  • 4. Define capacity and working hours.


Operation Configuration

Steps

  • 1. In BOM, define operations (routing).

  • 2. Set employee ratio (number of employees needed).

  • 3. Add quality points to operations.

  • 4. Configure worksheets and instructions.


Quality Point Configuration

Steps

  • 1. Go to Manufacturing → Configuration → Quality Points.

  • 2. Link to specific operation or apply to all.

  • 3. Choose test type and define criteria.

  • 4. Set frequency (all, random sampling, periodic).

  • 5. Add instructions, worksheets, or measurement specifications.


Tips and Best Practices

Key points

  • Use Tablet View: The tablet interface is optimized for shop floor use with larger buttons and simplified navigation.

  • Barcode Scanning: Configure barcode scanning for faster material consumption and employee login.

  • Quality Points: Define quality points at the operation level in the BOM so they're automatically created for all work orders.

  • Employee Ratios: Set realistic employee ratios on operations for accurate capacity planning and cost calculation.

  • Worksheets: Attach PDF instructions or images to quality points for visual guidance.

  • Propose Changes: Encourage operators to suggest improvements when they find better ways to perform operations.

  • Time Tracking: Ensure employees log out properly to maintain accurate labor cost records.


Troubleshooting

Common Issues

IssueSolution
Cannot start work orderCheck if previous operations are completed, verify employee is authorized for the work center, ensure work order is in Ready state
Quality checks not appearingVerify quality points are defined on the operation, check quality point filters, ensure quality points are active
Employee cannot log inVerify PIN is set correctly, check if employee is allowed on the work center, ensure session is not locked by another employee
Cannot finish work orderComplete all quality checks, verify all required materials are consumed, check if any quality checks failed and need resolution