Order type

The term order type describes the classification of a service order according to its type or nature. In an FSM system, orders can be divided into different categories to facilitate their handling and evaluation. For example, a distinction is often made between:

• Initial order vs. follow-up order – A new installation or implementation order as opposed to maintenance or repair for an existing customer.
• Maintenance order – Scheduled, preventive maintenance work on machines or systems.
• Repair order – Unscheduled service order to fix a defect or malfunction.
• Installation or commissioning order – Assembly and initial commissioning of a machine or system at the customer’s premises.
• Inspection or test order – Inspection of a system (e.g., safety check, calibration) without any acute defects.
• Project order – Extensive order that involves several assignments and possibly several technicians (often linked to its own project management).

The order type is selected in the Innosoft software when creating an order or project. It often defines specific processes. For example, depending on the order type, it can be defined which checklists (digital forms) are to be filled out or how billing is to be carried out. In addition, categorization by order type enables evaluations. A service manager can, for example, create reports on how many repairs vs. maintenance tasks were carried out in a given period.

In the dispatcher’s daily work, the order type also helps with prioritization. An emergency repair order (e.g., machine downtime) is scheduled immediately, while routine maintenance is more flexible in terms of timing. By clearly defining the order types in the system (with color coding on the planning board, if necessary), everyone involved has an overview of the type of service call and the associated requirements.