What is the main difference between an assembly build and a work order? Why would you use one over the other?

Whether you have the "work in process" or "WIP" flag turned on. Whether you want to issue components before the build and record scrap after the build or just backflush all components (assembly build). Essentially a more detailed manufacturing process with WIP. Some people start off using assembly builds then over time move into the WIP process if they want greater detail

Thank you Alan for the response! yes we are looking for super basic right now….two inventory items go into an assembly item to make a finished good.

then you'd likely want to stick with assembly builds to keep it simple!

Thanks!

Work Order is like a starting point for manufacturing where you mention the Finished Good item & qty, location and it would default the component items &qty based on BOM structure. It can be used to commit the component quantities to that WO. There after you can do the actual manufacturing to build the FG and consume the components. I agree with Alan to stick with simple Assembly build to begin with to keep the process simple.

Asseembly build cannot be forward scheduled/planned to occur at a future date, Work Orders can for planned work.