Most work orders are created from an invoice, but you can also create a standalone work order tied only to a customer and a vehicle. This is useful for service-only shops that do not bill through the POS, or for any situation where the work needs to start before pricing is firm.

To create a standalone work order

  • Click Work Orders under Service in the sidebar, then click + New Work Order.
  • Find the customer by typing their name. As you type, matches appear; click one to select it. If they are not on file yet, choose Add as a new customer and enter them right there, without leaving the page.
  • Choose the customer's vehicle from the list, or click + New next to the vehicle box to add one on the spot. When adding a vehicle you can decode a VIN to fill in the year, make, and model automatically.
  • Set the bay, the primary and secondary technicians, and any notes. (Status is not set at creation; the work order opens in Check-In and advances through the lifecycle from there.)
  • Save.

The work order is created with no invoice attached. It shows up on the Job Board and in the customer's history right away. You can capture photos, run a checklist, track time, and update status the same way you would on an invoice-linked work order.

If your shop has the Service module turned off, the New Work Order link is hidden from the sidebar.