WO Return Issues

Return materials from work orders back to stores when parts are unused, replaced, or no longer needed for a job. WO Returns are a specialised Material Issue type that records the work order reference and return reason for each item. This guide covers creating WO returns, linking to work orders, and tracking the return workflow.

Module: Inventory · 6 steps · all roles

Browse WO Returns
1Open WO Return List

Navigate to Inventory → WO Return Issues or go to /inventory/wo-return. This page shows only Material Issues with type “WO Return”.

WO Return Issues list showing MI numbers, from store, WO Return type badge, priority, status, item counts, and dates
2Filter & Columns
ColumnDescription
MI NumberIssue reference (links to detail).
From StoreStore receiving the returned parts.
TypeAlways “WO Return” (indigo badge).
PriorityNone, Low, Medium, High, or AOG.
StatusOpened, Authorized, Issued, or Cancelled.
ItemsNumber of parts being returned.
DateReturn date.
Create a WO Return
3Return Header

Click + New WO Return which opens /inventory/issues/new?type=WO_RETURN with the issue type pre-selected.

FieldRequiredDescription
Issue Type—Pre-set to “WO Return” (disabled).
PriorityNoNone, Low, Medium, High, or AOG.
Issue DateYesDate of the return.
From StoreYesStore receiving the returned parts.
RemarksNoInternal notes.
WO Return form with pre-selected WO Return type, store selector, date picker, and line items with Work Order Ref and Return Reason fields
4Return Items

Add line items with the parts being returned. Each item includes special fields for WO tracking.

FieldDescription
Part NumberTypeahead search for the returned part.
QuantityNumber of units being returned.
Serial NumberSerial tracking (optional).
Work Order RefThe WO number the parts were originally issued to.
Return ReasonWhy the parts are being returned (e.g. “not required”, “replaced with alternate”).
Unit CostCost for value tracking (optional).
The Work Order Ref links this return to the original issue. This is important for audit trail compliance — it shows which WO the parts were drawn for and why they’re being returned.
Workflow
5Status Flow
StatusMeaningNext
OpenedReturn recorded, pending authorization.Authorize
AuthorizedApproved, parts ready for re-stocking.Issue (complete)
IssuedParts returned to store. Terminal.—
CancelledReturn withdrawn. Terminal.—
Only Opened returns can be edited or cancelled.
6Cross-Links
ActionGuide
View all material issuesMaterial Issues
Return unused materialsUnused Returns
Check stock levelsStock Overview
View work ordersWork Orders