Most Maximo users track progress by checking work order status. However, reviewing both status dates and actual dates together provides deeper insights that are often overlooked.
- Status dates indicate how work progresses through your process.
- Actual dates reflect when the work was performed.
- How long does work sit before it starts?
- How fast does it move once underway?
- Are delays happening in the process, or in execution?
The key distinction is as follows:
- Status Dates (WOSTATUS): when the system status changed.
- Actual Dates (ACTSTART / ACTFINISH): when work actually occurred.
Ideally, these dates should match. In practice, any differences reveal what is truly occurring.
These gaps indicate the following:
- Work started before INPRG → delayed status updates
- Work finished before COMP → late completion updates
- Dates align → strong process discipline
Timely updates are essential. If statuses are updated late or in batches, reports may become misleading and less reliable.
Why this happens:
- Status updates aren't built into workflows
- Teams rely on memory instead of real-time updates
- Mobile tools aren't used consistently
To improve data accuracy:
- Update statuses in real time. Mobile tools can facilitate this.
- Keep the process simple: Start to INPRG, Finish to COMP.
- Reinforce expectations with supervisors.
- Integrate status updates into your workflow.
- Avoid batch updates at the end of the day.
How to use both dataTo leverage both data points:elays (status dates)
- Measure true execution time (actual dates)
- Compare process vs. reality to find boTip: Add the following fields to your work order view:order view:
- Status
- Status Date
- Actual Start
- Actual Finish
- Report Date
Viewing all these fields together provides a comprehensive understanding of your work orders.
In summary:
- Status tells you where work is.
- Status dates tell you how it's moving.
- Actual dates tell you when it really happened.
The differences between these dates reveal your most important insights and highlight any data quality issues.
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Julie Rampello
Max Content Solutions - IBM Champion 2026 & 2025
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