# Update actual production dates

> Record when production really started, finished and left the factory, so the order timeline and production health stay accurate.

Source: https://docs.vestislabs.com/production/production-order-update-actual-dates/

The **actual dates** of a production order are when production really started, when it really finished and when the goods really left the factory. Record them as the order progresses. They appear next to the agreed dates on the **Production Orders** list, and they can change the production health of the order.

**Where to find it:** Production → Order Management → three-dot menu → View/Edit
**Requires:** permission `UPDATE_ACTUAL_PRODUCTION_DATE`

## Before you start

- You need the **Update actual production date** permission. Without it, neither **Update actual date** nor the **Edit** button on the **Actual Dates** card is shown.
- To change the dates you planned with the supplier, use [Amend agreed production dates](https://docs.vestislabs.com/production/production-order-amend-agreed-dates/) instead.

## Update one date

Use this when one milestone has just happened.

1. **Open the order**
   On the **Production Orders** page, select the three-dot action button on the order's row and click **View/Edit**.

   ![View/Edit highlighted in the three-dot menu of an order row](https://docs.vestislabs.com/assets/production/assets/production-order-update-actual-dates/60-view-edit.webp)

2. **Click "Update actual date"**
   Click **Update actual date** at the bottom of the order dialog. The **Update production date** dialog opens: "Update the latest known production date. This may affect production health."

   ![The Update production date dialog opened from the Update actual date button of the order](https://docs.vestislabs.com/assets/production/assets/production-order-update-actual-dates/61-update-actual-date.webp)

3. **Select the date type**
   In **Date type**, select **Actual Production Start**, **Actual Production End** or **Actual Ex-Factory**. **Actual Ex-Factory** is selected when the dialog opens, and the date field shows the date already recorded for the type you pick.

   ![The Date type list open with Actual Production Start, Actual Production End and Actual Ex-Factory](https://docs.vestislabs.com/assets/production/assets/production-order-update-actual-dates/62-date-type.webp)

4. **Choose the new date**
   Pick the date in **New actual date**.

   ![The calendar open on the New actual date field](https://docs.vestislabs.com/assets/production/assets/production-order-update-actual-dates/63-new-date.webp)

5. **Add a note (optional)**
   Type a note in **Reason / note (optional)**. The note is recorded in the audit log.

   ![The Reason / note field with a note typed in](https://docs.vestislabs.com/assets/production/assets/production-order-update-actual-dates/64-reason.webp)

6. **Click "Save date"**
   Click **Save date**. The button stays disabled until you choose a date.

   ![The dialog with a date chosen and a note, so the Save date button is enabled](https://docs.vestislabs.com/assets/production/assets/production-order-update-actual-dates/65-save-date.webp)

## Edit all three dates at once

1. **Open the Overview tab**
   In the order dialog, stay on the **Overview** tab and find the **Actual Dates** card.

   ![The Overview tab of the order with the Actual Dates card and its Edit button](https://docs.vestislabs.com/assets/production/assets/production-order-update-actual-dates/66-actual-dates-card.webp)

2. **Click "Edit"**
   Click **Edit** on the card. The **Edit actual dates** dialog opens.

   ![The Edit actual dates dialog opened from the Edit button of the Actual Dates card](https://docs.vestislabs.com/assets/production/assets/production-order-update-actual-dates/67-edit-dates.webp)

3. **Set the dates**
   Pick **Production start**, **Production end** and **Ex factory**. Each field shows **Pick a date** while it is empty.

   ![The calendar open on the Production start field of the Edit actual dates dialog](https://docs.vestislabs.com/assets/production/assets/production-order-update-actual-dates/68-three-dates.webp)

4. **Click "Save"**
   Click **Save** to store the dates.

> [!NOTE]
> Until an actual date is recorded, the **Actual Dates** card shows the agreed date for that milestone, and the **Edit actual dates** dialog starts from it.

## Where the dates show

On the **Production Orders** list, the **Actual** column group holds **Production Start**, **Production End** and **Ex-Factory**. Use **Manage Columns** to show or hide them. See [Production orders](https://docs.vestislabs.com/production/production-orders/).