How to Create a Manufacturing Order
The Manufacturing Order (MO) feature allows users to convert component inventory into finished products using a Bill of Materials (BOM).
Manufacturing Orders can be used for:
- Manufacturing
- Assembly
- Kitting
- Bundling
- Product repacking
- Light production
Creating a Manufacturing Order prepares the production process and allows users to track production progress before inventory is updated.
Before You Start
Before creating a Manufacturing Order, make sure:
- The finished product already exists in C2W Inventory.
- A Bill of Materials (BOM) has already been created for the finished product.
- All required component inventory is available.
- The manufacturing location has been selected if multiple locations are used.
Open the Manufacturing Order Screen
The Add Manufacturing Order screen will open.
Select the Finished Product
If the Manufacturable Only option is enabled, only items with a Bill of Materials (BOM) will be displayed in the Product dropdown.
Load BOM Components Automatically
Once the finished product is selected:
- The system automatically loads the components from the Bill of Materials (BOM).
- Component quantities are automatically calculated based on the manufacturing quantity entered.
- Component costs are automatically populated.
- Component locations are automatically populated if available.
Example:
If one bicycle requires:
- 1 Frame
- 2 Wheels
- 2 Tires
Creating a Manufacturing Order for 5 bicycles automatically generates:
- 5 Frames
- 10 Wheels
- 10 Tires
Modify Components if Needed
Users can modify the Manufacturing Order before saving.
Available options include:
- Change component quantities
- Add additional components
- Remove components
- Change component locations
This allows flexibility for special manufacturing situations.
Add Additional Components
To manually add additional components:
Repeat for additional components if required.
Remove Components
To remove a component:
Use Multiple Inventory Locations
If multiple inventory locations are enabled:
This is especially useful for multi-warehouse operations.
Reference Number
The ReferenceNo field can be used to store:
- Sales Order numbers
- Customer PO numbers
- Production batch numbers
- Work order references
- Internal production notes
This makes it easier to trace the origin of a Manufacturing Order later.
Save Options
C2W Inventory provides two ways to create Manufacturing Orders.
Save
Click Save to create the Manufacturing Order without completing it.
Use this option when the physical manufacturing process will be completed later.
Examples:
- Furniture manufacturing
- Custom manufacturing
- Multi-stage production
- Products that require production time
The system will:
- Create the Manufacturing Order.
- Generate a Manufacturing Order number.
- Keep inventory quantities unchanged.
Once the physical product has been completed, users can later complete the Manufacturing Order from:
Manufacturing → Manufacturing Order → Manage Manufacturing Orders
Save + Complete
Click Save + Complete to create and complete the Manufacturing Order immediately.
Use this option when the product is already assembled or when inventory should be updated immediately.
Examples:
- Simple assembly
- Product repacking
- Small manufacturing jobs
Once completed:
- Finished product inventory increases.
- Component inventory decreases.
- Inventory movement records are created automatically.
Both the finished product and all components must already exist as items in C2W Inventory before creating the BOM.
One-Click Manufacturing Workflow
If your business always creates and completes Manufacturing Orders in a single step, C2W Inventory also supports Auto Complete MO.
With Auto Complete MO enabled, clicking Save will automatically create and complete the Manufacturing Order in one action.
This workflow is commonly used for businesses that do not need to track work-in-progress manufacturing.
For setup instructions and recommended use cases, please see: How to Enable Auto Complete Manufacturing Orders
What Happens to Inventory?
Creating a Manufacturing Order using Save:
- Creates the Manufacturing Order record.
- Generates a Manufacturing Order number.
- Does not affect inventory quantities.
Completing a Manufacturing Order using Save + Complete or later completion:
- Increases finished product inventory.
- Decreases component inventory.
- Creates inventory movement records automatically.
Common Use for Manufacturing Order
Manufacturing Orders can be used for:
- Product manufacturing
- Product assembly
- Bundle creation
- Kit creation
- Product repacking
- Custom production jobs
Related Guides
- How to Create a Bill of Materials (BOM)
- How to Complete and Manage Manufacturing Orders
- How to Enable Auto Complete Manufacturing Orders
- How to Create and Use Bundle Products in C2W Inventory