Documentation / Getting Started

Getting Started

This guide walks you through installing ProdQueue, enabling production tracking on a product, and confirming that jobs are created correctly from orders.

Before you begin

ProdQueue requires WooCommerce to be installed and active. It is designed for made-to-order or custom products where production work happens after purchase.

1. Install and activate

Install ProdQueue like any other WooCommerce extension, then activate it.

  • Upload the plugin ZIP or install via the WooCommerce Extensions screen.
  • Activate the plugin.
  • A new Production section will appear in WooCommerce settings.

2. Configure global settings

Global settings control when jobs are created and how the queue behaves by default.

  • Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Production.
  • Select the order status that triggers job creation (commonly Processing).
  • Choose a default priority and job ID format.
  • Adjust default filters and pagination if needed.

Tip

Most stores leave the trigger status set to Processing so jobs appear as soon as payment is confirmed.

3. Enable production tracking on a product

Production tracking is enabled per product. This lets you control exactly which products create jobs.

  • Edit a product in WooCommerce.
  • Open the Production Queue tab.
  • Enable production tracking.
  • Select which attributes or variations should be included in jobs.

4. Set production time (optional)

You can define an estimated production time per product. This can optionally be shown to customers.

  • Enter the production time in the product settings.
  • Enable customer display if desired.
  • Use the [production_time] shortcode where needed.

5. Place a test order

Create a test order to confirm everything is working.

  • Add the product to the cart and complete checkout.
  • Move the order to the trigger status.
  • Open WooCommerce → Production Queue.

What to expect

One job is created per unit. If a customer orders a quantity of 3, ProdQueue creates 3 separate jobs.

6. Verify job creation

Once the order reaches the trigger status, jobs should appear in the queue.

  • Jobs appear with default status and priority.
  • Attributes selected on the product are attached to each job.
  • The order screen shows a Production Jobs panel.

Next steps

Once you’ve confirmed jobs are being created correctly, you’re ready to start using ProdQueue day-to-day.