Often there are important documents related to a service that should be permanently associated with a workorder. These may include:

•Signed contracts

•Warranty forms

•Insurance paperwork

•Vendor invoices

•Inspection reports

•Correspondence

•Authorization forms

•PDFs

•Spreadsheets

•External estimates

•Legal documentation

The Attachments tab allows these files to be linked directly to the workorder for future reference.

Why Use Attachments?

Attaching documents to a workorder provides several important advantages:

•Keeps all service-related information together

•Improves record organization

•Simplifies future reference

•Supports warranty claims

•Protects the shop during disputes

•Preserves important customer communications

Contracts and written authorizations are especially valuable because they:

•Document approvals

•Clarify agreements

•Protect both the client and the service center

Preparing A Document

Before attaching a file:

•Save the document somewhere on your computer or network

You may wish to create:

•A dedicated folder for business-related documents

MLS 2026 includes a suggested folder:

•MLS12s\Attach\

within the main MLS folder structure.

Using this location helps:

•Keep attachments organized

•Simplify backups

•Maintain consistent storage

However:

•Documents may be stored anywhere accessible by the workstation

Adding An Attachment

To attach a document to the current workorder:

1.Open the Attachments tab

2.Click the Add button

3.A Windows file browser will appear

4.Locate the desired document

5.Highlight the file

6.Click OK

The document is now linked to the workorder.

Viewing Attached Documents

To open an attached file:

•Highlight the document

•Click the View button

MLS 2026 will open the file using:

•Its normal Windows application

Examples include:

•PDFs opening in a PDF viewer

•Word documents opening in Microsoft Word

•Spreadsheets opening in Excel

The document is viewed in:

•Its native format

This allows full access to:

•Printing

•Editing

•Reviewing

•Exporting

depending on the capabilities of the installed application.

Important Note About File Storage

Attached documents are:

•NOT physically stored inside the workorder database

Instead:

•MLS 2026 stores a reference to the file location

The original document remains:

•In its original folder on the drive

Because of this:

•Do not move or delete the original file after attaching it

•Otherwise the workorder link will no longer function properly

For this reason, storing attachments in a dedicated business folder is highly recommended.

Recommended Uses

The Attachments feature is especially useful for:

•Signed repair authorizations

•Insurance claim paperwork

•Warranty approvals

•Vendor estimates

•Customer correspondence

•Legal documentation

•Inspection reports

•Diagnostic printouts

•External service records

Keeping these documents attached directly to the workorder creates a complete permanent service file for the vehicle.

Best Practices

•Create a dedicated Attachments folder

•Use clear filenames

•Avoid moving files after attaching them

•Attach all signed approvals and contracts

•Include important customer correspondence

•Attach warranty and insurance documentation whenever applicable

The Attachments feature helps MLS 2026 maintain a complete digital record of the service process, greatly improving organization, communication, and long-term documentation management.