I need to be able to generate work orders, i'm currently running QBO. I understand its not offered in QBO currently, so which version do I need ?

I need to do the same thing, generate work orders. I have followed all the instructions to change a sales order to a work order.. I now need to know how to get the customer phone number to appear on my work order, as like when I choose a customer, the address comes up with it, I need the phone number to show as well and not have to enter every time.

I know a way on how you can add the phone number, safeguardpc1.

You can add the phone number in the work order by customizing the template.

Here's how:

1. Click Lists on the top menu.
2. Choose Templates.
3. Double click the customized work order you've created.
4. Select Layout Designer.
5. Click Add and choose Data Field.
6. Select Customer Contact.
7. Click OK. You may need to move the field.
8. Click OK to save the changes.

I've provided a screenshot for your reference.

You can check out this article for more details about customizing form templates: Use and customize form templates.

Feel free to reply to this thread if you need anything else with work order. I'm here to help.

Thank you.. 

I will do this.  Also another question, I was able to make a work order using the sales .

However when I go to use it, it says I need to add an account to it? 

I have QB PRO 2019 Desktop.  Do you have any suggestions?  Really dont want to buy a whole new program to generate work orders..

Hello safeguardpc1,

I appreciate you for seeking assistance here in the Community. It would be my pleasure to help provide clarification regarding the message you encounter when creating a sales order in QuickBooks Desktop.

Right now, the ability to create a sales order is only available in the Premier and Enterprise version only. The error prompt message to assign an account happens due to the compatibility when using Pro. 

The only workaround available if you don't want to upgrade QuickBooks is by using the Estimate feature. You can rename the template as a work order by following these steps: 

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Click the List tab at the top menu bar.
3. Click Templates.
4. Click the drop-down next to Templates.
5. Click New.
6. Select Estimate, and click OK.
7. Click Manage Templates.
8. Next to Template Name, enter the name you want (example: work order).
9. Click OK.

Here's a sample screenshot for your visual guide:

For your future reference, I'm adding the article about creating sales order:

Create a sales order.

I'm always here if you seek additional assistance about sales orders. The Community has your back.

Hi,

using qb desktop prem. 2019

In order to keep job numbers the same we are creating an estimate at a "zero" amount an then the job/work order number to agree.  is there another way to do this to keep me from having all of these estimates at a zero value?

Hello there, mrzdockwalker.

To make sure I'm on the same page, may I ask in which field you enter the job number when creating an estimate? This way, I can provide the right solution for your question. 

In the meantime, the number used in each transaction increments based on the previous number entered. Thus, it will not keep the same number if you linked two transactions. 

As a workaround, you can enter in the memo field the job number for tracking purposes. For additional reference, you can use the following article about how to modify templates, make a copy, and import or export them: Use and customize form templates.

Drop me a comment below if you have other report questions. I'd be happy to help you some more. Have a nice day ahead!

We use the next estimate number in line as the estimate number, job number, and work (sales order) number.  I added a screenshot to hopefully help.

thank you! :)

I did try to create a sales order with an amount as well as creating an estimate that has a value, mrzdockwalker.

Luckily, I was able to produce both transactions having the same number. 
 

Is this what you're trying to achieve? if so, it's very possible to enter a value in these transactions while keeping their numbers the same. If not, i'm very excited to know more about this. 

Don't hesitate to post them in the comments below. We'll be around to help anytime. 

I have been reading up on how to make workorders from Estimates but I am working QBO and apparently we cannot do this from QBO.  Is there a patch that we can purchase to accommodate the work orders?  Or do we have to purchase the desktop version?  Help

Hello there, @Kathy M1.

At this time, the Sales Order tab is unavailable in QuickBooks Online. However, you can create an Estimate as a replacement and later on convert into invoices. Both are non-posting transactions and will not be included in the Profit & Loss report.

On the other hand, an estimate happens when you're giving a proposal of items or services to your customers. With this, the quantity of your inventory items is not affected. 

If you haven't created one yet, let me show you how to create an estimate.

1. Go to the Plus icon.
2. Under Customers, select Estimate.
3. Select a customer and a date for your estimate.
4. Choose an item or service under PRODUCT/SERVICE.
5. Enter the quantity and the number of your items or services.
6. Click Save and close.

For your reference, I've included our detailed guide in creating an estimate.

I'll be glad to help you if you have any other questions.​ Have a good day!

For QBO use sales order to create work orders, create a template and call it work order.  

So is it possible to have both estimates and work orders? or can there only be one form that is named either?

So is it possible to have both forms to be used, estimates and work orders?

Hi there, asl2022.

Thank you for visiting the QuickBooks Community. I'll be sharing details about customizing a sales form in QuickBooks Online. Then, ensure you'll be able to have estimates and work orders as your form name.

QuickBooks Online offers you the tools to create attractive, professional-looking invoices, estimates, and sales receipts. Customizing the appearance and layout of sales forms is a simple yet effective way to enhance your business' communications. That said, only one default name is recommended for each form. However, if you want to have both forms be used as estimates and work orders in one entry name, you can edit or customize the template and change the form's name that you desired.

Here's how:

1. Go to Gear icon ⚙ and select Custom Form Styles.
2. Choose New Style.
3. Select the type of form you’d like to create a template for.
4. Choose the Content tab. Then, click the upper part of the form.
5. Checkmark the Form names box. Then, change the form name into Estimates and Work orders.
6. Click Done once you're ready to save your changes.

For additional information on how customization works in QBO, you can open this artilcle: Customize invoices, estimates, and sales receipts in QuickBooks Online.

Lastly, I'm adding this artilcle to see different details on how the Sales page gives you a great at-a-glance view of sales transactions like open invoices and paid invoices: View sales transactions.

Add a comment below if you have any other concerns about managing customers' entries. I'll be happy to help you! Have a great day!