---
title: Create downtime reasons
slug: factryos/how-tos/create-downtime-reasons
createdAt: 2026-06-29T21:47:58.540Z
---

Go to **FactryOS > Downtime > Downtime configuration > Downtime reason tree editor**.

![downtime reason tree ](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/SMPo4IS9FkillUAMsur2c/zFvsQhNmi-A69AWDgbkTU_downtime-reason-tree.png)

Click **+ Create a reason**. A form opens with the following fields:

- **ID** — assigned automatically. Cannot be changed after creation.
- **Translations** — enter the display name in each language your operators use. FactryOS shows the translation matching the operator's account language. If no translation is set for a language, the description is used as fallback.
- **Description** — a short internal code or label for the reason (e.g. Good production, Failure time). Used in the reason list and as a fallback display value.
- **Category** — link to one of the categories created in step 1. This determines how the reason is counted in OEE calculations.
- **External ID** — optional. Use this to map the reason to an ID in an external system, for example an ERP.
- **Dynamic timeout** — if enabled, the timeout behavior for this reason can vary based on context. Leave off unless your setup requires it.
- **Comment is required** — if enabled, operators must add a comment when assigning this reason to a downtime event. Use this for reasons where more context is always needed.
- **Equipment is required** — if enabled, operators must specify a piece of sub equipment when assigning this reason. Use this for reasons that are always tied to a specific machine.
- **Tags** — add one or more reason tags, for example a Time Utilisation Code (TUC). Tags are used in reporting to group reasons across categories without changing the reason structure itself.

Click **Confirm** to save.

![Update downtime reason](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/SMPo4IS9FkillUAMsur2c/QcAaGlIk4a4aJ3DUo9tqn_update-reason.png)

Repeat for each reason you need. The reason list supports filtering by category and free-text search. Reasons can also be bulk imported and exported via the **Download / Upload** Excel buttons at the bottom of the list, which is useful when setting up a large reason library for the first time.