How to Manage Causes of Failure

Overview

A Cause of Failure identifies why an asset required repair. Technicians select a Cause of Failure when completing a Work Order, and administrators can require this field as part of Completion Criteria.

Causes of Failure apply only to non–Recurring Work (non-RW) Work Orders.

Common examples include:

  • Electrical
  • Mechanical
  • Dirt and Debris
  • Motor Failure
  • User Error
  • Corrosion

Administrators can add, remove, and assign availability for each Cause of Failure.

Navigate to Cause of Failure

  1. Select the Gear icon in the top navigation bar, and then select Admin Mode.

     

  2. Select Asset & Work Management > Cause of Failure.

     

  3. The Cause of Failure page displays a list of all existing values.

     

  4. Each row typically includes:
    • Name: The Cause of Failure label.
    • Description: Optional additional detail.
    • Site: Where the failure is available (if applicable).
    • Available In: Specifies where the value can be used.
    • Delete (X): Removes the value.

Create a Cause of Failure

  1. On the Causes of Failure page, select Add New Record.

     

  2. In the new row, enter:

    • a Cause of Failure name (for example, “Electrical,” “User Error,” or “Mechanical Failure”).

       

    • a Description (optional), such as “Issues related to wiring or power supply.”

       

  3. Select Save Changes at the top of the page.

     

After saving, the Available In button becomes active for this Cause of Failure.

Define Where a Cause of Failure Is Available

  1. Select Available In for the Cause of Failure you created or want to modify.

     

  2. In the window that appears, check or uncheck the locations, plants, or sites where this value should be available.

     

  3. Select Save at the bottom of the window to apply availability settings.

Edit a Cause of Failure

  • You can edit the Description field at any time by clicking into the text field.
Note: Cause of Failure names cannot be edited after saving. If you need to rename one, delete the original row and create a new entry.

Delete a Cause of Failure

  1. Select the X icon next to the Cause of Failure you want to remove.

     

  2. Select Save Changes to finalize the removal.

The updated list will now appear anywhere Causes of Failure are used during Work Order completion.