Work Requests vs Work Orders
A work request is a report that something needs attention, such as a faulty device or a building issue, submitted by any authorized user. A work order is the approved, assigned job that tells technicians what to do, on which asset, with what priority and by when. In a maintenance system, requests are reviewed and converted into work orders, which are then completed and closed.
The lifecycle from request to completed job
- Request — the user reports the problem and identifies the asset or location.
- Review — the maintenance team checks the request and sets its priority.
- Work order — the job is created, assigned to a technician or service provider, and given a tolerance period.
- Execution — the technician diagnoses and repairs the fault, recording time and parts.
- Closure — the work order is closed and the result becomes part of the asset’s history.
What makes a good work request?
- The correct asset or equipment and its location.
- A clear description of the fault and when it started.
- The impact on operations or patient care, which helps set the priority.
- Contact details for follow-up.
Accurate requests lead to faster response, because technicians arrive with the right information.
Comparison
| Work request | Work order | |
|---|---|---|
| Created by | Any authorized user | Maintenance team or supervisor |
| Purpose | Report a need | Authorize and track the work |
| Contains | Asset, location, problem description | Priority, assignee, tasks, time, parts, cost |
| Measured by | Number of requests by type | Response time, completion time, cost |
In Steady OMS
Steady OMS supports service requests and asset-based work orders on the web and in the mobile app, with work order priority (WOP) classes and tolerance periods. Watch how to create a work request in the Training Center.
Frequently asked questions
Can a work order exist without a work request?
Yes. Preventive maintenance and planned jobs are usually created directly as work orders without a request.
Why use priorities on work orders?
Priorities make sure urgent, safety-critical faults are handled first, and tolerance periods show when a job becomes overdue.
Talk to Steady Solutions
Tell us about your sites, assets and processes, and our team will show you how Steady OMS, ERP or HIS fits your organization. You can also contact us directly or call +966 55 337 0220.