Work Order Types Explained
Overview
CLUE provides several work order types to categorize maintenance activities. Choosing the right type helps prioritize work, track costs, and analyze maintenance patterns across your fleet.
Available Work Order Types
Quick Fix
Use when: A minor issue can be fixed immediately by the operator in the field.
Examples: Tightening a loose bolt, replacing a fuse, adding fluids, minor adjustments.
Key characteristic: No mechanic dispatch needed - operator handles it on the spot.
Repair
Use when: Equipment needs service but is still operational.
Examples: Worn brake pads, hydraulic leak, AC not working, damaged mirror.
Key characteristic: Standard maintenance request - schedule at next convenient time.
Corrective
Use when: Addressing an issue found during inspection or identified by diagnostics.
Examples: Fixing a fault code, correcting an inspection failure, addressing a discovered defect.
Key characteristic: Response to a detected problem rather than user-reported issue.
Emergency Repair
Use when: Equipment has a serious problem and is non-operational.
Examples: Engine failure, transmission breakdown, safety system failure, major collision damage.
Key characteristic: Highest priority - equipment is down and blocking work.
Predictive
Use when: Data analysis or telematics suggests maintenance is needed before failure.
Examples: Anomaly detected in engine performance, unusual vibration patterns, temperature trending high.
Key characteristic: Proactive based on data - prevents breakdown before it happens.
Proactive
Use when: Performing maintenance ahead of schedule to prevent future issues.
Examples: Early fluid change, component replacement before wear limit, seasonal preparation.
Key characteristic: Voluntary maintenance to extend equipment life.
Preventative
Use when: Scheduled routine maintenance based on time or usage intervals.
Examples: 500-hour service, annual inspection, monthly lubrication, tire rotation.
Key characteristic: Recurring maintenance tied to PM schedules.
Improvement / Safety
Use when: Making safety improvements or upgrades to equipment.
Examples: Installing backup cameras, adding safety guards, improving lighting, ergonomic modifications.
Key characteristic: Enhances safety or usability rather than fixing a problem.
Setup
Use when: Preparing new equipment or reconfiguring existing equipment.
Examples: New equipment delivery prep, attachment changes, configuration for new job site.
Key characteristic: Getting equipment ready for use rather than repairing issues.
Tips for Choosing the Right Type
- Is equipment down? → Emergency Repair
- Found during inspection? → Corrective
- Part of regular schedule? → Preventative
- Operator can fix? → Quick Fix
- Data-driven alert? → Predictive
- Everything else? → Repair
Why Type Matters
Using correct work order types helps you:
- Prioritize urgent work (Emergency Repair first)
- Track reactive vs. preventive maintenance ratios
- Analyze equipment reliability trends
- Report on maintenance categories for budgeting
- Identify assets needing more proactive attention
