SolmexHelp Center

Help CenterManaging Work

Set and clear a blocker

Mark a work order as waiting for spare parts, a vendor, a permit or anything else that holds it up, so everyone can see why it is not moving.

Included in: Every planUpdated

A blocker says that a job is waiting for something outside the team's control, such as spare parts or a shutdown window. It does not change the work order's status or its progress steps. It puts a clear "Blocked" banner on the work order and flags it in the list, so nobody has to ask why it has not moved.

Before you start

  • You need Work Orders: Edit to set, change or clear a blocker.
  • The work order must not be closed or cancelled.

Set a blocker

  1. Open the work order.
  2. Click Set blocker in the header.
  3. Under What is this work order waiting for?, choose one reason.
  4. Optionally, add a Note (optional), such as a purchase order number, the vendor, or the date you expect it.
  5. Click Save blocker.
The blocker window listing the reasons a work order can be waiting for

The reasons are:

ReasonUse it when
Waiting for Spare PartsParts are on order or out of stock.
Waiting for VendorAn outside company has to act first.
Waiting for Equipment AvailabilityThe machine is not free to be worked on.
Waiting for Shutdown WindowThe work can only happen during a planned stop.
Waiting for Permit ApprovalA work permit has been raised but not approved. See Approve, sign and close a permit.
Waiting for Client ApprovalThe client must agree before work goes ahead.

What happens next

  • A banner at the top of the work order says Blocked: and the reason, with your note underneath.
  • The header button changes from Set blocker to Blocked.
  • In the Work Orders list, the job shows a "Blocked" line under its status, and it is counted under the Blocked figure at the top. Choose Blocked in the Status filter to see only blocked jobs.

Change or clear a blocker

  1. On the banner, click Change to pick another reason or edit the note, then Save blocker.
  2. When the job can move again, click Clear blocker on the banner, or in the blocker window.

Troubleshooting

What you seeWhat to do
No Set blocker buttonThe work order is closed or cancelled, or your role does not include Work Orders: Edit.
"Cannot set a blocker on a closed or cancelled work order"The job is over. Nothing can be waiting on it.
"Failed to update blocker."Reload the page and try again.