Create Work Orders from Sales Orders in NetSuite

Streamlining operations and improving efficiency are critical in today's fast-paced business environment. NetSuite, a robust ERP software, offers powerful features like creating work orders from sales orders, enabling companies to manage their manufacturing processes with ease.

NetSuite WMS
NetSuite WMS

By leveraging this functionality, you can transform your sales orders directly into work orders, simplifying your supply chain, and boosting productivity. In this guide, we'll delve into the process of creating work orders from sales orders in NetSuite.

Blue Sales Order
Blue Sales Order

Understanding the Process Flow

The workflow involves two key entities - Sales Orders (SO) and Work Orders (WO). Sales Orders are customer requests for products, while Work Orders are manufacturing instructions for producing those products. NetSuite allows you to convert Sales Orders into Work Orders, ensuring a seamless transition from sales to production.

13+ Editable Sales Order Templates [in WORD & EXCEL] - Word Excel Fomats
13+ Editable Sales Order Templates [in WORD & EXCEL] - Word Excel Fomats

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let's explore two crucial sub-topics - understanding Sales Orders and Work Orders in NetSuite.

Sales Orders in NetSuite

the netsuit logo is shown above an image of two different logos, one in orange and
the netsuit logo is shown above an image of two different logos, one in orange and

In NetSuite, a Sales Order (SO) is a customer-approved order for products or services. It reflects a request from a customer to purchase items, which can then be fulfilled by creating a Work Order or an Inventory Transfer.

Key aspects of a Sales Order include the customer's contact details, line items listing the products ordered, quantities, pricing, and any associated terms and conditions. A thorough understanding of Sales Orders is vital for effective order management.

Work Orders in NetSuite

an invoice form that is used to write work orders for employees and employees
an invoice form that is used to write work orders for employees and employees

A Work Order in NetSuite is an instruction to manufactur or assemble a specific item or a kit. It defines the operation to be performed, the items used, the quantities, and the resources (like labor or equipment) required for production.

Once a Work Order is created, it can be tracked throughout the production process, providing real-time insights into inventory usage, labor costs, and other crucial aspects of your manufacturing operations. mastering Work Orders is essential for optimizing your production processes.

Creating Work Orders from Sales Orders

Best 10 Work Order Templates - Free Report Templates
Best 10 Work Order Templates - Free Report Templates

Now that we've explored the fundamental concepts let's walk through the process of converting a Sales Order into a Work Order in NetSuite.

Before we proceed, ensure that your Sales Order has been fully approved and that the items listed are correctly mapped to the respective work center and operation in your NetSuite instance.

Printable Job Work Order Form, Easy and Simple Job Work Order Form, Business Job Work Order, Job Work Order Tracking, Canva Templates
Printable Job Work Order Form, Easy and Simple Job Work Order Form, Business Job Work Order, Job Work Order Tracking, Canva Templates
Sample Sales Order Form | Templates at allbusinesstemplates.com
Sample Sales Order Form | Templates at allbusinesstemplates.com
20 SAAS business ideas for Americans
20 SAAS business ideas for Americans
Template Maintenance Work Order Form | Mous Syusa
Template Maintenance Work Order Form | Mous Syusa
Printable Repair Work Order (Track Make & Model)
Printable Repair Work Order (Track Make & Model)
Never Lose an Order Again – Simple Order Log Sheet
Never Lose an Order Again – Simple Order Log Sheet
the order form for t - shirt orders is shown in black and white, as well as
the order form for t - shirt orders is shown in black and white, as well as
a blank work order form with the words job work order written in black on it
a blank work order form with the words job work order written in black on it
Embroidery Order Form Template, Embroidery Order Contract, Custom Embroidery Form, Embroidery Work Order form, Embroidery business form
Embroidery Order Form Template, Embroidery Order Contract, Custom Embroidery Form, Embroidery Work Order form, Embroidery business form
Sample Sales Order Form
Sample Sales Order Form

Manual Conversion

If you need to create a Work Order manually, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the Sales Order and click on the 'Pricing' subtab.
  2. Click the 'Create Work Order' button.
  3. In the 'Create Work Order' window, specify the quantity to produce, select the work center, and choose your desired production date. You can also customize other parameters as required.
  4. Click 'Create' to create the Work Order.

The system will create a Work Order linked to the Sales Order, enabling you to track the production process directly from the Sales Order record.

Automated Conversion

If you want to automate the process, you can set up NetSuite to auto-create Work Orders based on specific criteria. This setting is particularly useful for repeatable or high-volume manufacturing processes:

  1. Go to Setup → Company → automation → Workflow → Workflow actions.
  2. Click 'New' to create a new workflow action.
  3. Select 'Create Work Order' as the action type and configure the criteria for auto-creation (e.g., when the Sales Order status changes to 'Approved').
  4. Save your new workflow action and deploy it.

NetSuite will now automatically create Work Orders whenever Sales Orders match your specified criteria, further streamlining your operations.

Managing Work Orders

After creating Work Orders, you can monitor their status and progress directly from the Sales Order record or by navigating to the Work Orders list view.

NetSuite allows you to track Work Orders in real-time, providing valuable insights into production schedules, resource allocation, and other critical aspects of your manufacturing processes. This helps you make data-driven decisions, optimizing your supply chain, and improving overall efficiency.

In essence, creating work orders from sales orders in NetSuite enables you to bridge the gap between sales and manufacturing, improving communication, and streamlining your operations. As your business grows and your production processes become more complex, these integrated functionalities will become increasingly invaluable. Embrace the power of NetSuite to unlock new heights of productivity and efficiency.