Finish Workorders

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Finish Workorders

 

Once all services have been completed, the workorder must be formally closed so the system can finalize all accounting, service history, and reporting processes.

Although closing a workorder requires only a simple command, it is one of the most important procedures in MLS 2026 because this process officially transfers the completed work into the permanent system records.

Before closing a workorder, always verify that:

All work has been entered

Totals are correct

Payments are properly posted

Recommendations and notes are complete

Careful review at this stage prevents:

Accounting errors

Missing history entries

Incorrect customer balances

Incomplete documentation


Before Closing A Workorder

Prior to performing the closing routine, review the workorder carefully.


Review The Printed Invoice

Always review the printed workorder or preview display to verify:

All labor items are present

All parts are included

Quantities are correct

Pricing appears accurate

The printed descriptions communicate clearly

This is your final opportunity to verify:

Completeness

Accuracy

Professional appearance

before the invoice becomes permanent history.


Verify Notes And Recommendations

Be sure all:

Technician observations

Customer concerns

Recommendations

Inspection comments

Warranty notes

have been entered into their proper sections.

These entries become part of:

The permanent vehicle history

Future service reference

Customer communication records

Incomplete notes today often create confusion later.


Double Check Totals And Payments

Before closing:

Review the Totals screen carefully

Verify:

Taxes

Fees

Discounts

Deposits

Credit card processing

Accounts receivable posting

Payment methods

Make certain:

The payment information matches what was actually received

This is especially important for:

Split payments

Credit card transactions

Partial payments

Accounts receivable balances


Closing The Workorder

When everything has been verified:

1.Return to the main Workorder Browse screen

2.Highlight the completed workorder

3.Click:

oClose WO

The system will then:

Recalculate totals

Process accounting entries

Update history files

Finalize reporting data

Store the completed invoice

At this point:

The workorder becomes CLOSED

The workorder may still be:

Viewed

Printed

Reviewed

but it can no longer be edited unless specifically reopened by an authorized administrator.


Timing Of Closing

There is no strict time requirement for closing workorders.

However, best practice is:

Close workorders immediately after service completion and payment posting

This helps maintain:

Accurate daily records

Proper accounting flow

Up-to-date service history


Network Operation

On multi-user network installations:

Workorders may be closed while other users continue working normally

MLS 2026 fully supports:

Simultaneous multi-user operation

Workorders may also be:

Closed individually throughout the day

without disrupting:

Inventory

Accounting

Other workstation activity


Live Updating

One important feature of MLS 2026 is that many operational areas update immediately when entries are made.

For example:

Inventory adjustments occur when parts are entered

Payroll/job costing updates when labor is entered

Deposit records process when deposits are posted

These functions do NOT wait until workorder closing.

This provides:

Real-time system accuracy

Live inventory tracking

Immediate profitability analysis

Current accounting balances

The closing process itself primarily finalizes:

Accounting history

Invoice status

Permanent service records


After Closing

Once closed, the workorder becomes:

Permanent historical documentation

The completed workorder may then be used for:

Service history review

Warranty tracking

Client communication

Financial reporting

Technician analysis

Future diagnostics

Because MLS 2026 uses an “enter once, apply universally” philosophy, closing the workorder completes the entire operational cycle for that service visit.


Best Practices

Never close a workorder before reviewing the printed invoice

Verify all payments carefully

Confirm recommendations and notes are complete

Close workorders promptly after completion

Use closing as the final quality-control step

Remember that closed workorders become permanent records

Proper workorder closing ensures that MLS 2026 maintains complete, accurate, and professional operational records across every area of the business.