# Create a work order

> Add a work order to an approved project, fill in the timeline, resources and scope, then move it to Ready so it can be scheduled.

- Product: WorkSkedge
- Section: Work Orders
- Canonical: https://workskedge.com/help/work-orders/create-a-work-order
- Updated: 2026-08-29T17:49:29.973816+00:00
- Source: WORK-ORDERS.md
- Keywords: create work order, add work order, work order status, ready status

## Steps

1. Confirm the project is set up and in the correct status (approved in Advanced Mode, active in Simple Mode).
2. Open the project detail view.
3. Click Add Work Order.
4. Fill in basic info: name and number.
5. Set the timeline — expected dates and times.
6. Enter resource requirements, scope of work, and the materials and equipment needed.
7. Set the status to Created and save the work order.
8. When the details are settled, update the status to Ready so it can be scheduled.

## Before you start

The project must already be set up — customer, job-site location and a primary contact linked — and in the right status: `approved` in Advanced Status Mode, or `active` in Simple Status Mode. If it is not, finish project setup first.

## What to fill in

- **Basic info** — work order name and number
- **Timeline** — expected dates and times
- **Resource requirements** — the crew and capacity the job needs
- **Scope of work** — what the crew is being sent to do
- **Materials and equipment** — what has to be on the truck

## Status flow

Save the work order in **Created** while you are still filling in scope. Move it to **Ready** when the details are settled — that is the status that enables scheduling. From there scheduling takes it to **assigned**, and it becomes **active** once work starts.

## FAQ

### Why can I not schedule my new work order?

Scheduling is enabled once the work order status is Ready. A work order still in Created is treated as a draft.

### Where do I create a work order from?

From the project detail view, using the Add Work Order action. Work orders always belong to a project.

### Does creating a work order change the project?

Yes — it flips the parent project to active. That is why the project should already be walked through its statuses before you add work orders.