How to Close a Failed Work Order with Full Traceability in Cetec ERP
When a production batch fails completely, consuming materials but producing no finished goods, it’s essential to close out the work order correctly and maintain a full traceability record. This is especially critical in regulated industries where traceability is non-negotiable.
Here’s a best-practice approach using Cetec ERP, based on a real-world customer scenario.
Scenario
- A work order was in progress.
- All materials were picked and consumed.
- The batch failed entirely, and no units were produced.
- The order will not be restarted.
- Full material traceability is still required for quality records.
Step 1: Close Work Order Lines and Record Scrap
To account for consumed materials:
- Open the failed work order.
- Click Close Line/All.
- In the pop-up menu, select the affected lines.
- Choose Scrap as the reason code.
This ensures that consumed materials are not returned to inventory and are accurately recorded as scrap.
Learn more about scrap tracking in Cetec ERP
Step 2: Delete the Work Order
Once all lines are closed and marked as scrap:
- Click Delete Order to close it completely.
This removes the order from active status while preserving a historical record in the system.
Step 3: Retain Traceability for Quality Documentation
Since this order didn’t complete and end in an invoice, Cetec ERP will not generate a standard Traceability Document (which is normally tied to completed invoices). However, all consumed materials marked as scrap remain traceable.
To generate a traceability report:
- Go to the Inventory Activity Report.
- Filter by:
- Order number
- Part number
- Scrap
- Date range
This report shows all materials consumed and scrapped for the failed batch, providing the traceability data required for quality audits or internal documentation.
Step 4: Access Deleted Orders
Even after deletion, the work order remains accessible:
- Go to Production Order List.
- Use the “All Deleted” filter to locate the closed order.
This allows your team to review order history and associated documents at any time.
Summary
To properly close a failed work order in Cetec ERP:
- Mark all picked materials as scrap during line closure.
- Delete the order to finalize it.
- Use the Inventory Activity Report to document consumed materials for traceability.
- Use the “All Deleted” filter to access order history post-deletion.
This workflow ensures accurate accounting, maintains compliance, and provides the necessary documentation for quality assurance, all without leaving behind unaccounted inventory or incomplete records.
For more detailed guidance, visit the Cetec ERP How-To Library.