Work order risk reduction

Get the ultimate guide to planning and scheduling maintenance

What is work order risk reduction?

Work order risk reduction is a process that reduces the amount of risk in a work order. It's also a way to minimize the risk as a part of the work order management process.

What are some work order risk reduction steps?

To effectively and efficiently reduce work order risk, there are three main steps that you should follow:

Assess risks associated with each step of the process (i.e., identifying potential problems)
Plan for those risks (i.e., coming up with solutions)
Implement those risk plans (i.e., making sure they're working)

What are some examples of work order risks?

Several risks can occur with poorly executed work orders, including:

Measurement errors
Incomplete documentation
Poor communication
Poor project management, which can lead to bad planning and scheduling (the overall process of managing a project), and ineffective problem identification (not identifying problems early enough so that they can be resolved before they become significant issues)
Technicians can think that a work order is used against them when it's actually in place for them to help them in the future

What are some common mistakes to avoid in work order management?

Not using safety checklists in every step of every job order (from receiving materials to packing them up). This one seems obvious, but many people still need to do it, and if they do, they often don't follow through with all their steps correctly, either because they are rushed or forgetful.
Using the wrong software. Work order management software is a tool. Many companies choose to use Excel instead of work order management software because they think it's cheaper or more familiar than other options. The problem with this approach is that it doesn't allow you to create checklists and manage risk effectively; instead, you have to use tons of resources on repetitive tasks that an efficient system like ours could automate.
Too many choices in the work order need to be clarified, making filling out the information difficult.
Not having an easy-to-follow process for work orders.

Want to try a CMMS today?

Get started for free

What are some tips to remember to reduce the risk for work orders?

Use a work order management system. A good work order management system (like a CMMS) will help you track your tasks, assign responsibilities and deadlines, manage costs and resources, and identify potential risks.
Create checklists for each step of the process. Ensure that everyone involved in the project has access to these checklists so they can refer back to them if needed.
Consider using project management or risk management software, quality control software, or contract management software if applicable (e.g., if you're working on an outsourced project). This will give everyone involved access to all relevant documents at once—and, more importantly—help keep things organized.

There are many ways to reduce risk when managing work orders

If you're looking to reduce your work order risk, there are many ways. From double-checking checklists to using better project management software, several options can help ensure your job goes smoothly. Remember that these tips will only work if implemented consistently across all projects and teams within your organization. If only one person follows them while everyone else ignores them, it won't make much difference.