Work orders are created manually (using Work Order Maintenance) or generated from MRP, repetitive, schedules or configured sales orders. Work orders are also generated when another work order is split, or when one is released that requires a routable component.

In a standard sequence, shown on this slide, after a work order has been created, it is released, materials are issued and received, the work order is closed, and the items are shipped.

On the next few pages, the following stages in the work order life cycle will be examined in detail: