To open a work order's details page, click on any work order from the Work Orders list page. The type of work order you are processing determines which sections are available — Custom work orders do not show the Items section and Kit details banner that Assembly work orders do.
Looking for something else? See Overview: Work Orders in ShipHero for work order types and statuses, How to Create Work Orders, or How to Process an Assembly Work Order.
| Custom work order example | Assembly work order example |
|---|---|
Table of Contents
- Work Order Top of Page Features
- Work Order Instructions Section
- Work Order Organization Section
- Work Order Attachments and Notes
- Work Order Timeline
- Work Order Request Review Feature (3PL Only)
- Work Order Ad-hoc Charges (3PL Only)
Work Order Top of Page Features
The following features appear at the top of the details page for all work order types:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Work Order ID | The unique identifier automatically assigned when the work order is created. |
| Status pill | Shows the current status of the work order. |
| Priority assignment | A drop-down to set the priority: Low, Medium, or High. Available for 3PLs only. |
| Request Review button | Pauses the work order and requires approval before work can continue. Available for 3PLs and 3PL clients only. See Work Order Request Review Feature below. |
| More actions | A drop-down with options to Create a special project (if not enabled during creation) or Cancel work order. |
| Update status button | Automatically updates its label to reflect the next available stage. Use this to advance the work order status once a step is complete. |
Work Order Instructions Section
The instructions section is an optional field for both Assembly and Custom work orders, set during the creation process and not editable afterward.
- For Custom work orders, instructions are displayed at the top of the details page.
- For Assembly work orders, this section follows the Items section and has two parts — Packing details and Assembly details — to be used based on your operational needs.
| Custom work order example | Assembly work order example |
|---|---|
Work Order Organization Section
This section displays all core work order details: Order name, Order type, Warehouse, Requested date, and Scheduled date (optional). For Assembly work orders, there are also options to assign a Picker and Packer.
Work Order Attachments and Notes
Use the Attachments section to upload documents or images directly to the work order. Use the Notes section to add a note — it will appear here and create a line item in the work order's timeline.
Work Order Timeline
The timeline is a full history of all changes and updates made to the work order, showing who made each change, when it was made, and what was done. You can also communicate with the team by leaving comments — type your message and select Comment.
Work Order Request Review Feature (3PL Only)
Note for 3PLs: The Request Review feature is only available for 3PL and 3PL client accounts.
The Request Review button allows either the 3PL or the 3PL client to pause a work order and ask the other party to review it before work continues. This is useful when:
- The 3PL needs clarification on requirements before proceeding.
- The customer wants to review progress before assembly continues.
- Either party notices an issue that needs discussion.
- Changes to the work order need mutual agreement.
How the Work Order Request Review Feature Works
When the Request Review button is clicked, a note is added to the timeline saying "Requested review" and the status changes to Awaiting Approval, pausing the work order.
Approval is determined by who clicked the button:
- If the 3PL requests review, the 3PL client must approve.
- If the 3PL client requests review, the 3PL must approve.
The approver can select Approve work order to return it to its previous status, or Cancel the work order. The requester can only Cancel the work order after a review has been requested.
When to Use the Work Order Request Review Feature
- Review can be requested from any active status: In Progress, Ready to Pick, Assembly in Progress.
- Review cannot be requested when the status is Awaiting Approval, Completed, Canceled, or Closed.
Work Order Ad-hoc Charges (3PL Only)
Note for 3PLs: Ad-hoc charges are only available for 3PL accounts and are billed to the 3PL client's next invoice.
Ad-hoc charges can be added when the work order status is Awaiting Approval, In Progress, Ready to Pick, Assembly in Progress, or Closed. They cannot be added when the status is Completed or Canceled.
For full setup instructions and how charges appear in 3PL Billing, see How to Set Up Ad Hoc Charges for Work Orders in 3PL Billing.