MLS 2026 includes a Downtime Calculator that allows the shop to track non-productive time associated with a specific labor item on a workorder.
This feature helps management identify:
•Delays waiting for parts
•Equipment failures
•Vendor delays
•Workflow interruptions
•Technician fatigue
•Scheduling inefficiencies
The accumulated downtime may later be reviewed for:
•Productivity analysis
•Workflow improvement
•Shop efficiency evaluation
•Technician reporting
Starting A Downtime Timer
To begin tracking downtime for a labor operation:
1.From the main Workorder Browse screen, click the:
oClocks button
2.Select:
oDowntime
3.The system will ask:
o“Are you starting the time for a new labor task?”
Although the wording references a labor task, this timer is specifically intended to track downtime associated with an existing labor item on the workorder.
4.Select:
oYes
The system will then display the Downtime Timing window.
Completing The Timing Setup
The following selections are required:
Workorder
Select the appropriate active workorder from the upper display list.
Labor Item
Highlight the labor entry associated with the downtime from the lower list.
Once the correct item is selected:
5.Click the:
oStart button
The downtime timer is now active.
Stopping A Downtime Timer
When the delay condition has ended:
1.Click the:
oClocks button
2.Select:
oDowntime
3.When prompted:
o“Are you starting the time for a new labor task?”
4.Select:
oNo
The system will display all currently active downtime timers.
5.Highlight the appropriate labor item.
6.Click the:
oStop button
The elapsed downtime will automatically be added to the downtime total associated with that labor operation.
Examples Of Downtime
Typical downtime situations include:
•Waiting for parts delivery
•Lift or equipment failure
•Delayed authorization approval
•Vendor response delays
•Technician reassignment
•Required cooling periods
•Employee breaks or fatigue recovery
Benefits Of Downtime Tracking
Accurate downtime tracking helps management:
•Identify workflow bottlenecks
•Improve scheduling efficiency
•Evaluate vendor performance
•Monitor equipment reliability
•Understand true labor profitability
•Improve technician productivity
Over time, downtime reporting can reveal recurring operational issues that may otherwise remain hidden.