Every workshop has 5–10 jobs stuck 'waiting on parts'. Half of them are stuck longer than anyone realises.
Make it a real status
Waiting Parts is a workflow state, not a note. It should show on the bay board and drop the job off active capacity.
Aging matters
Colour Waiting Parts by age (green <2d, amber 2–5d, red >5d). Anything red gets a customer call.
Reserve the bay only if truly promised
If the part is 3 days out, release the bay. Rebook when the part lands.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I take a deposit on parts?
- Yes on any part >£100 or special-order. It stops the 'changed my mind' problem.
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