What is the difference between a work order and a work request?

Technically, they are the same, but at different stages. A work request is submitted by someone, and if it is approved, it can be converted to a work order. Sort of like how a bill becomes a law. 

There are 6 statuses of a work order :

1. Work request

2. Work request - approved

3. Work request - denied

4. Work order - scheduled

5. Work order - canceled

6. Work order - complete

SOMAX differentiates Add Work Request and Add Work Order on the Plus Sign so that Users who are Work Requesters can enter requests for Maintenance.