Field Data Capture: Photos, Signatures, Mandatory Fields

Evidence and Audit Trail From the Floor

Photos, signatures, and mandatory fields are how a closed work order becomes defensible. They turn a checkbox into proof that the work was done correctly.

What to Capture

• Photos — before and after, nameplate shots, failure close-ups.
• Signatures — supervisor or customer sign-off on completion.
• Mandatory fields — failure code, root cause, downtime, or parts used cannot be skipped.

Why It Matters

Auditors, insurers, and reliability engineers all read these records later. A WO closed with a photo and a code is evidence; one closed with a blank note is hearsay.

Tips

Make the high-value fields mandatory in form config, but keep the list short. A checklist with twenty required fields gets rushed and faked.