Parent-Child Work Order
A parent-child work order structure links one main maintenance job to several related sub-jobs, trades, assets, or execution stages.
What this term means in maintenance
A parent-child work order structure links one main maintenance job to several related sub-jobs, trades, assets, or execution stages.
When parent-child work orders are useful
They may be used for:
- Shutdown projects
- Multi-trade repairs
- Inspections with corrective work
- Route findings
- Large overhauls
- Contractor packages
- Multiple assets
Practical example
A parent work order covers a compressor overhaul. Child work orders cover mechanical work, electrical testing, instrumentation, and alignment.
Status control
The organization should define whether the parent can complete or cancel while child work remains open or completed.
Reporting
Costs, labor, status, and progress may be summarized at the parent level.
Common mistake
Creating too many unnecessary child records increases administration without improving control.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Follow-Up Work Order
A follow-up work order is additional maintenance created from findings, temporary repair, incomplete scope, or another completed work order.
Work Order
A work order is an authorized record that defines maintenance work to be performed, including the asset, priority, scope, assignee, instructions, labor, parts, status, and completion evidence.
Work Order Cancellation
Work order cancellation is the controlled decision to stop an authorized maintenance job because it is no longer required, valid, safe, or appropriate.
Parent-Child Work Order FAQs
- What is a parent-child work order?
A structure linking one main job with related sub-jobs, trades, assets, or stages.
- When is it useful?
For shutdowns, overhauls, multi-trade work, inspections, and contractor packages.
- Can the parent close while children remain open?
The organization should define and enforce the rule explicitly.