How to Create a Work Order from a BOM in Catalystk
A work order (also called a production order) tells your shop floor what to make, how many and by when. In Catalystk's free work order software you create a work order from the bill of materials (BOM) – the finished product and raw materials fill in automatically – set the start and end date, release the order, then request and issue materials from the store and post production of good and scrap output. Track planned vs actual material use and print the work order as PDF, free.
- From BOM
- Issue materials
- Post production
- Print & PDF
- Free
Before you start: create the bill of materials for the product. Work orders can also come from a job order or an MRP plan.
Open Work Order and load the BOM
Pick the BOM and Catalystk fills in what to make and what it needs.
- 1
Click New Work Order
Go to Manufacture → Work Order and click New Work Order.
- 2
Search the BOM
In Search Options, search the BOM Code or BOM Name. The finished product and the input materials fill in from the BOM.
Set the start and end date
Plan when production starts and finishes.
- 3
Fill in the work order details
Choose the Manufacture Process (required), add the Sales Order No. if the order is for a customer, and set the Start Date and End Date.
- 4
Click Save
Click Save. The work order is created with the status Created.
Release the order to production
Releasing reserves the materials.
- 5
Click Release Order
Click Release Order. The components are reserved for this order – stock does not move yet.
Request and issue materials, then post production
Move materials to the shop floor and record what was made.
- 6
Request and issue materials
Click Request Materials to raise a material request to the store, then Issue Materials to issue what is outstanding. Use Return Unused for leftovers.
- 7
Post production
Click Post Production to record good and scrap output, or Receive Goods for finished goods. The card shows Planned · Actual · Variance. Use Print for a PDF.
Work order statuses explained
A work order moves through these stages.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Created | Saved, not yet started |
| Released | Materials reserved; ready for production |
| Partially Confirmed | Some output posted |
| Confirmed | All output posted |
| Technically Complete | Production finished |
| Closed | Order closed |
Tips for smooth production
- Check stock with MRP before releasing a big work order.
- Issue materials in one go with Issue Materials to keep stock accurate.
- Post scrap with production so the variance shows the real material loss.
- Print the work order for the shop floor team.
Frequently asked questions
What is a work order?
A work order (production order) tells production what to make, how many and by when, and which materials to use.
Can I create a work order from a BOM?
Yes. In a new work order, search the BOM Code or BOM Name – the finished product and materials fill in from the BOM.
When does stock move?
Releasing the order only reserves materials. Stock moves when you issue materials and post production.
Can I record scrap?
Yes. Post Production records both good and scrap output.
Can I print or download a work order?
Yes. Use Print on the work order to get a PDF.
Is the work order software free?
Yes. Work orders are part of Catalystk's free plan – nothing to download or install.
What's next: manage customer jobs – create a job order.
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