Step-by-step guide to creating a Production Run with multiple work orders, SKUs, and material views in Inventory → Work Orders.
Collection: Work Orders: Getting Started
Priority: P0
Who this is for
Production planners setting up a new batch of co-manufactured or assembled products.
Before you begin
- Work Orders module enabled (see Module prerequisites)
- Finished SKUs have active BOMs (Configure bills of materials)
- Co-manufacturer vendor and warehouse locations configured (Configure co-manufacturer setup)
Steps
1. Open the create form
Go to Inventory → Work Orders → Production Runs, then click Create Run.
2. Fill in Production Run Information
| Field | Notes |
|---|---|
| Co-Manufacturer | Vendor performing the manufacturing |
| Name | Optional — Luminous auto-generates a name if left blank |
| Expected Completion Date | Target date for the entire run |
| Production Location | Where manufacturing happens |
| Destination Warehouse | Where finished goods will be stored or shipped from |
| Notes / Alternate IDs | Optional reference fields |
3. Add work orders (SKUs)
In the Work Orders section:
- Search and select SKUs using checkboxes, or use Quick Add to add one SKU at a time.
- For each line, set Planned Quantity, confirm the Bill of Materials, and optionally set a line-level Expected Completion Date.
- Toggle the view:
- By Product — See each finished SKU with its manufacturing service fee and cost rule tier.
- By Material — See a consolidated All Materials table across all SKUs in the run.
4. Review materials (optional before save)
In By Material view, review consolidated demand and set Supply Method or Expected Arrival in bulk if needed.
5. Create the run
Click Create Run. You are taken to the production run detail page where you can review Shared Components, linked work orders, and material shortages.
What happens next
- The production run and its work orders start in Draft status.
- The Shared Components section aggregates BOM materials across all work orders in the run.
- Shortages appear in red — proceed to Allocate from Incoming and Generate purchase orders.
Work orders can also be added later from the run detail page via Add Work Orders.
Co-manufacturer workflow callout
When goods are produced and held at the co-manufacturer until you ship them, set Production Location and Destination Warehouse to the same co-man site. This keeps inventory at the manufacturer through production and until you create a transfer order in Shipment Planning.
Related articles
Still stuck?
Contact support with the SKUs you are trying to add if BOMs or locations do not appear as expected.