Direct Answer
A fabrication work order (or shop ticket) is an internal document that translates the shop drawing into shop floor instructions — identifying the piece mark, the sequence of operations, the materials required, the applicable quality checks, and the target completion date. A well-structured work order prevents shop floor personnel from misinterpreting drawings and ensures QC steps aren't skipped.
Full Explanation
A complete fabrication work order includes: (1) Piece mark and assembly mark. (2) Section size and heat number (material traceability). (3) Sequence of operations: layout → CNC → cope → weld → inspect → blast → prime → mark → stage. (4) Drawing revision number (confirms the work order matches the current approved drawing). (5) QC hold points with sign-off blocks. (6) Target ship date. Work orders can be paper or digital — many shops use tablet-based systems that update production tracking automatically when steps are signed off.
What This Means for Your Shop
A work order system that requires sign-off at each operation creates an automatic QC audit trail. When a dimensional error is discovered in the field, the work order tells you exactly which step failed and who was responsible — essential for both corrective action and change order documentation.
Common Mistakes
Generating work orders from the preliminary BOM before IFC approval, then not updating them when drawings change. Work orders generated from superseded drawings are a direct path to fabricating wrong members.
Recommended Process
Generate work orders only from IFC-approved drawings. Include the drawing revision number on every work order. Implement a revision hold procedure: when a drawing is revised, all open work orders for that piece mark are flagged and updated before any further production.