Advanced level · Module 5: Running an IT Support Service · Lesson 3 of 4
Job, Parts and Records Management
Keep track of work, parts and history.
In this lesson you will
- Use a job tracking system
- Analyse job records to improve
Key concepts
job trackingparts stockdevice historyfault analysis
The lesson
Track each job from intake to handover, with status visible to staff and clients.
Keep a small stock of common parts and record parts used.
Analyse job records monthly: which faults are most common, and what preventive work or training would reduce them?
Step by step
- Set up a job tracker.
- Record parts.
- Analyse a month of jobs.
- Propose preventive actions.
What a month of support jobs reveals
Sorting 62 jobs by fault type shows where preventive work would save the most time.
| Fault type | Jobs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Slow computer | 18 | 29.0% |
| Printer | 12 | 19.4% |
| Wi-Fi connection | 10 | 16.1% |
| Won't start | 9 | 14.5% |
| Malware or pop-ups | 7 | 11.3% |
| Screen or other hardware | 6 | 9.7% |
What the data shows
Three fault types — slow computers, printers and Wi-Fi — account for 40 of 62 jobs (64.5%).
Most slow-computer jobs were on old hard drives with full disks; many printer jobs were stuck queues that staff could clear themselves with a simple guide.
Recommendation
Propose SSD upgrades for the slowest machines, a one-page printer guide for staff and a quarterly health-check visit; measure next month's job counts to confirm the effect.
Practice activity
Analyse the provided job log and propose improvements.
Expected result: Findings and preventive actions based on the data.
Check your understanding
-
Why analyse job records?
Show answer
To find common faults and prevent them.
-
Why keep a stock of common parts?
Show answer
To finish repairs faster.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.