Generate field service knowledge articles from completed work orders including repair procedures, parts lists, safety notes, and troubleshooting guides
This skill covers generating knowledge base articles from completed field service work orders:
When to use: When a work order reveals a reusable repair procedure, when recurring equipment issues suggest a knowledge gap, when onboarding new field technicians, or when field service managers want to standardize procedures across the team.
knowledge_managerknowledge_adminwm_adminadmincom.snc.work_management (FSM), com.glideapp.knowledge (Knowledge Management)wm_order, wm_task, wm_parts_request, alm_asset; Write access to kb_knowledgeknowledge/article-generation for general KB article creation, fsm/work-order-summarization for work order data extractionFind completed work orders with rich resolution data suitable for knowledge capture.
MCP Approach:
Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
table_name: wm_order
query: state=closed^close_code=resolved^sys_updated_on>=javascript:gs.daysAgo(30)^ORDERBYDESCsys_updated_on
fields: sys_id,number,short_description,category,subcategory,cmdb_ci,asset,close_notes,assignment_group,closed_at
limit: 50
REST Approach:
GET /api/now/table/wm_order
?sysparm_query=state=closed^close_code=resolved^sys_updated_on>=javascript:gs.daysAgo(30)^ORDERBYDESCsys_updated_on
&sysparm_fields=sys_id,number,short_description,category,subcategory,cmdb_ci,asset,close_notes,assignment_group,closed_at
&sysparm_limit=50
&sysparm_display_value=true
Selection Criteria for KB-Worthy Work Orders:
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Complex resolution (>2 tasks) | Multi-step procedures benefit from documentation |
| Recurring issue (>3 similar WOs) | Pattern indicates knowledge gap |
| Specialized equipment | Uncommon repairs need documented expertise |
| Safety-critical work | Safety procedures must be formally documented |
| New technician performed | Training opportunity; capture while fresh |
Pull the task-level detail that forms the basis of the repair procedure.
MCP Approach:
Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
table_name: wm_task
query: work_order=[WO_SYS_ID]^ORDERBYsequence
fields: sys_id,number,short_description,description,state,assigned_to,actual_work_duration,close_notes,sequence
limit: 20
REST Approach:
GET /api/now/table/wm_task
?sysparm_query=work_order=[WO_SYS_ID]^ORDERBYsequence
&sysparm_fields=sys_id,number,short_description,description,state,assigned_to,actual_work_duration,close_notes,sequence
&sysparm_display_value=true
Retrieve work notes containing the technician's observations and actions.
MCP Approach:
Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
table_name: sys_journal_field
query: element_id=[WO_SYS_ID]^element=work_notes^ORDERBYsys_created_on
fields: value,sys_created_on,sys_created_by
limit: 30
Also retrieve task-level notes:
Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
table_name: sys_journal_field
query: element_id=[TASK_SYS_ID]^element=work_notes^ORDERBYsys_created_on
fields: value,sys_created_on,sys_created_by
limit: 20
Compile the parts used in the repair.
MCP Approach:
Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
table_name: wm_parts_request
query: work_order_task.work_order=[WO_SYS_ID]
fields: sys_id,part,part_number,quantity_requested,quantity_received,state,stockroom
limit: 30
REST Approach:
GET /api/now/table/wm_parts_request
?sysparm_query=work_order_task.work_order=[WO_SYS_ID]
&sysparm_fields=sys_id,part,part_number,quantity_requested,quantity_received,state,stockroom
&sysparm_display_value=true
Get the equipment specifications relevant to the repair.
MCP Approach:
Tool: SN-Read-Record
Parameters:
table_name: alm_asset
sys_id: [ASSET_SYS_ID]
fields: sys_id,display_name,model,model_category,serial_number,manufacturer,asset_tag,location,warranty_expiration
Tool: SN-Read-Record
Parameters:
table_name: cmdb_ci
sys_id: [CI_SYS_ID]
fields: sys_id,name,sys_class_name,manufacturer,model_id,operational_status,maintenance_schedule
Look for related work orders to enrich the knowledge article with additional context.
MCP Approach:
Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
table_name: wm_order
query: state=closed^cmdb_ci=[CI_SYS_ID]^sys_id!=[CURRENT_WO_SYS_ID]
fields: sys_id,number,short_description,close_notes,category
limit: 10
Tool: SN-NL-Search
Parameters:
query: "[equipment type] repair [symptom description]"
table: wm_order
fields: number,short_description,close_notes
Find the appropriate knowledge base and category for the article.
MCP Approach:
Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
table_name: kb_knowledge_base
query: active=true^titleLIKEfield service
fields: sys_id,title,description,owner
limit: 5
Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
table_name: kb_category
query: kb_knowledge_base=[KB_BASE_SYS_ID]^active=true
fields: sys_id,label,parent_id,full_category
limit: 50
Compose the article with structured sections.
MCP Approach:
Tool: SN-Create-Record
Parameters:
table_name: kb_knowledge
data:
kb_knowledge_base: [KB_BASE_SYS_ID]
kb_category: [CATEGORY_SYS_ID]
short_description: "Repair Procedure: [Equipment Model] - [Issue Description]"
article_type: "text"
workflow_state: "draft"
text: |
<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>This article documents the repair procedure for [issue description] on [equipment model/type]. Procedure derived from work order [WO number] completed on [date].</p>
<h3>Applies To</h3>
<ul>
<li>Equipment: [model name and number]</li>
<li>Manufacturer: [manufacturer]</li>
<li>Category: [equipment category]</li>
<li>Serial Number Range: [if applicable]</li>
</ul>
<h3>Symptoms</h3>
<ul>
<li>[Symptom 1 reported by customer or detected by technician]</li>
<li>[Symptom 2]</li>
<li>[Symptom 3]</li>
</ul>
<h2>Safety Precautions</h2>
<div style="border: 2px solid red; padding: 10px; margin: 10px 0;">
<strong>WARNING:</strong>
<ul>
<li>[Safety precaution 1 - e.g., Disconnect power before servicing]</li>
<li>[Safety precaution 2 - e.g., Wear appropriate PPE]</li>
<li>[Lockout/Tagout requirements if applicable]</li>
<li>[Environmental considerations]</li>
</ul>
<p>Required PPE: [list of personal protective equipment]</p>
</div>
<h2>Tools Required</h2>
<ul>
<li>[Tool 1]</li>
<li>[Tool 2]</li>
<li>[Specialized equipment if needed]</li>
</ul>
<h2>Parts Required</h2>
<table>
<tr><th>Part</th><th>Part Number</th><th>Quantity</th><th>Source</th></tr>
<tr><td>[Part name]</td><td>[Part #]</td><td>[Qty]</td><td>[Stockroom/Vendor]</td></tr>
</table>
<h2>Repair Procedure</h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>[Step from Task 1]:</strong> [Detailed instruction from technician notes]</li>
<li><strong>[Step from Task 2]:</strong> [Detailed instruction]</li>
<li><strong>[Step from Task 3]:</strong> [Detailed instruction]</li>
<li><strong>Verification:</strong> [How to verify the repair was successful]</li>
</ol>
<h2>Troubleshooting</h2>
<table>
<tr><th>Symptom</th><th>Possible Cause</th><th>Resolution</th></tr>
<tr><td>[Symptom]</td><td>[Cause]</td><td>[Fix]</td></tr>
</table>
<h2>Estimated Time</h2>
<p>Total repair time: [actual_work_duration from WO]</p>
<ul>
<li>Diagnosis: [time]</li>
<li>Repair: [time]</li>
<li>Testing: [time]</li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<ul>
<li>Source Work Order: [WO number]</li>
<li>Technician: [assigned_to]</li>
<li>Date Performed: [date]</li>
<li>Related Work Orders: [list]</li>
</ul>
author: [CURRENT_USER]
valid_to: "2027-03-19"
Enhance discoverability with keywords and meta information.
MCP Approach:
Tool: SN-Update-Record
Parameters:
table_name: kb_knowledge
sys_id: [KB_ARTICLE_SYS_ID]
data:
meta: "[equipment model], [manufacturer], [issue type], [repair type], field service, [category]"
roles: "wm_agent,wm_dispatcher,wm_admin"
Submit the article for knowledge manager review.
MCP Approach:
Tool: SN-Update-Record
Parameters:
table_name: kb_knowledge
sys_id: [KB_ARTICLE_SYS_ID]
data:
workflow_state: "review"
work_notes: "Auto-generated from work order [WO number]. Please review procedure accuracy, safety notes, and parts list before publishing."
| Tool | Purpose | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| SN-Query-Table | Extract work order, task, parts, and journal data | Data collection from source WOs |
| SN-Create-Record | Create the knowledge article | Article generation |
| SN-Read-Record | Get specific asset or equipment details | Equipment specification lookup |
| SN-NL-Search | Find similar work orders and existing KB articles | Pattern discovery and deduplication |
| Issue | Cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Work notes are empty | Technicians not documenting their work | Extract from close_notes or task descriptions instead; coach technicians on note-taking |
| Parts data incomplete | Parts not tracked through wm_parts_request | Check task work notes for manually documented parts; query alm_consumable |
| Duplicate article created | Similar article already exists | Search KB before creating; use NL-Search to find existing coverage |
| Article too technical | Target audience is junior technicians | Simplify language; add prerequisite skill notes; include glossary |
| Safety notes missing | Source WO did not document safety | Add standard safety notes based on equipment category; consult safety manual |
| Equipment model not found | Asset record incomplete | Look up manufacturer documentation; use CI record as fallback |
Source: Work order WO0056789 - HVAC compressor failure at Building A.
KB Article: Repair Procedure: Carrier 50XC - Compressor Replacement
Category: HVAC > Compressor
SAFETY: Disconnect power, recover refrigerant per EPA regulations,
wear safety glasses and gloves.
PARTS: 1x Compressor (P/N: 06DA8186), 1x Contactor (P/N: HN52KD024),
Refrigerant R-410A (5 lbs)
PROCEDURE:
1. Recover refrigerant using approved recovery unit
2. Disconnect electrical connections and tag wires
3. Disconnect refrigerant lines (suction and discharge)
4. Remove mounting bolts and extract compressor
5. Install new compressor with new mounting grommets
6. Reconnect refrigerant lines with new copper fittings
7. Reconnect electrical per wiring diagram
8. Evacuate system to 500 microns
9. Charge with R-410A per manufacturer spec
10. Run test cycle and verify superheat/subcool readings
EST. TIME: 4 hours
Source: Multiple work orders for elevator door sensor issues.
KB Article: Troubleshooting Guide: Otis Gen2 - Door Sensor Faults
Category: Elevator > Door Systems
TROUBLESHOOTING DECISION TREE:
1. Door not opening -> Check door operator power -> Replace fuse / reset breaker
2. Door opens partially -> Check obstruction sensor alignment -> Realign sensors
3. Door reverses immediately -> Clean sensor lenses -> Replace if cleaning fails
4. Intermittent door faults -> Check wiring harness for damage -> Repair/replace harness
PARTS: Door sensor assembly (P/N: GAA24350BD11), Sensor lens kit (P/N: DCD-500)
knowledge/article-generation - General knowledge article creationfsm/work-order-summarization - Summarize work order dataknowledge/gap-analysis - Identify knowledge base gapsknowledge/duplicate-detection - Detect duplicate articlesknowledge/content-recommendation - Recommend related content