Published: February 10, 2022  Updated: May 12, 2025

Navigating the Landscape of CMMS Work Order Types

Let's navigate the landscape of computerized maintenance management (CMMS) work order types. Work orders, the documented details of tasks needing completion, possess a history stretching back to ancient times. While early forms might have involved rudimentary inscriptions or verbal instructions, the fundamental need to communicate and track work persists. As maintenance management evolved, so did the sophistication of work orders, especially with the advent of CMMS.

The Evolution from Simple Instructions to Defined Types

Over time, the process of generating work orders gained clarity. Itemized lists accompanied by descriptions became common practice for distributing tasks to workers or displaying them for general awareness. This represented an advancement, yet often lacked the specific details now considered essential for effective maintenance.

The development of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems brought about a significant transformation in how work orders are structured. Within a CMMS, work order types became distinctly defined, with each serving a particular purpose, although some overlap exists. For over four decades, companies like Mapcon Technologies have assisted clients in refining their CMMS, offering modules where both work orders and work requests play crucial roles. A brief examination of work requests provides context before delving into specific work order types.

Understanding Work Requests

Work requests typically originate when a worker identifies an issue. This could involve malfunctioning equipment, a problem within a storage area, a concern in a break room, or even an anomaly in the parking lot. These requests serve as initial notifications of potential maintenance needs.

Creating work requests within a CMMS is designed to be a straightforward process, requiring minimal data entry. The system often includes features such as a tab for uploading images to provide visual context for the problem. Users with system access can directly initiate these requests. Furthermore, the MAPCON extends the capability to workers without individual logins, allowing them to submit requests through a unique company-specific HTML form provided by a supervisor. Once submitted, these requests enter the system for appropriate handling.

Exploring Various Work Order Types

Generating an actual work order within the CMMS is also user-friendly. While various required and optional fields exist, the primary focus here lies in understanding the different work order types available. When initiating a new work order, you might have a "Type" drop-down menu located within the "Click to View or Create a Work Order" tab. The following outlines eight common work order types and their applications.

1. Repair Work Orders

< p>Repair work addresses situations where something is broken or malfunctioning. This category encompasses a wide array of issues, from a misaligned part in machinery to ice accumulation on scales or belts requiring adjustment. Repair needs are not limited to mechanical equipment and can include tasks like snow removal.

2. Safety Work Orders

Safety work orders focus on maintaining or improving safety within the operational environment. This can involve simple tasks such as replacing a worn warning sign or more involved actions like repairing damaged ceiling tiles. Ensuring proper tire inflation on vehicles or removing potential hazards from machinery also falls under this category.

3. Corrective Maintenance Work Orders

Corrective maintenance addresses identified issues to restore equipment or processes to their intended operational standards. While some instances might resemble repairs or restoration, corrective actions often aim to rectify problems that impact the quality or efficiency of production. An example includes addressing a vibration in a machine, causing product instability on a conveyor belt.

4. Support Maintenance Work Orders

Support maintenance work orders often overlap with preventive maintenance. These tasks ensure the continued functionality of equipment and systems. Examples include inspecting and cleaning an impact wrench to guarantee proper operation or replacing filters in an HVAC system to maintain air quality and system efficiency.

5. Restoration/Overhaul Work Orders

Restoration or overhaul work involves bringing equipment or facilities back to a fully functional condition. This might involve repairing storm damage to a building or disassembling machinery for thorough cleaning, part replacement, or recalibration. Restoration does not always necessitate a complete rebuild, but can involve returning a machine to its correct operational settings.

Ready to revolutionize your maintenance department? Schedule a live demo today.

6. Audit-QA/QC, ISO55000, OSHA, etc. Work Orders

This category of work orders pertains to maintenance activities driven by regulatory compliance or quality assurance standards. While some of these tasks might align with preventive maintenance, they specifically adhere to official guidelines from agencies such as OSHA or standards like ISO 55000. CMMS features that allow for the designation of these work order types and the generation of completion reports can be particularly beneficial during audits.

7. Inspection Preventive Maintenance Work Orders

Inspection-based preventive maintenance involves regular checks and upkeep to prevent potential failures. This can range from routine roofing inspections and vehicle tune-ups to verifying the integrity of seals, cleaning equipment, or performing general housekeeping in facilities. These work orders often include checklists or detailed instructions to guide the inspection process.

8. Shutdown Repair Work Orders

For operations that undergo periodic shutdowns, this work order type facilitates heavy-duty maintenance tasks that are more easily accomplished when equipment is not actively running. This proactive approach helps identify and address potential repair needs before operations resume, preventing unexpected downtime. Companies like Conestoga Energy utilize shutdown work order types within their MAPCON system to manage maintenance efficiently during these periods. According to Richard Hanson, Plant Manager, MAPCON serves as the central system for managing and tracking all work orders, including those scheduled during shutdowns. Omar Abril, PDM Technician at Conestoga, notes that work requests received throughout the year, identified as shutdown-related, are specifically designated within the system.

Customization and Impact of Work Order Types

It is important to note that not every organization will utilize all the work order types discussed. Recognizing this, CMMS solutions often provide administrators with the flexibility to add and customize work order types to align with their specific operational needs. Beyond standard preventive maintenance, this could include categories like Environmental Maintenance, Mechanical Integrity PM, or Project Repair for specialized tasks.

Understanding the various available work order types offers significant benefits. It provides workers with a clearer understanding of the tasks at hand, which ultimately contributes to more effective maintenance practices. In the long term, this leads to smoother operations, improved cost efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced safety measures.

The strategic application of diverse work order types within a CMMS represents a proactive approach to asset management. Rather than merely reacting to failures, organizations can leverage these defined categories to implement comprehensive maintenance strategies that anticipate needs, ensure compliance, and foster a safer, more productive environment.

Mapcon / 800-922-4336