diff --git a/erpnext/manufacturing/doctype/production_order/production_order.py b/erpnext/manufacturing/doctype/production_order/production_order.py
index cd24f9b5cc..2b173bf60f 100644
--- a/erpnext/manufacturing/doctype/production_order/production_order.py
+++ b/erpnext/manufacturing/doctype/production_order/production_order.py
@@ -112,8 +112,10 @@ class ProductionOrder(Document):
 
 
 	def update_status(self, status=None):
-		'''Update status of production order'''
-		status = self.get_status()
+		'''Update status of production order if unknown'''
+		if not status:
+			status = self.get_status()
+			
 		if status != self.status:
 			self.db_set("status", status)