diff --git a/fusion_plating/fusion_plating_jobs/models/fp_job.py b/fusion_plating/fusion_plating_jobs/models/fp_job.py
index 1b97c46f..6514a1ec 100644
--- a/fusion_plating/fusion_plating_jobs/models/fp_job.py
+++ b/fusion_plating/fusion_plating_jobs/models/fp_job.py
@@ -144,9 +144,14 @@ class FpJob(models.Model):
     active_step_id = fields.Many2one(
         'fp.job.step',
         compute='_compute_active_step_id',
+        store=True,
+        index=True,
         string='Active Step',
-        help='Currently in-progress step (lowest sequence if multiple — '
-             'defensive). Drives JobWorkspace landing focus.',
+        help='Currently the live step under the priority chain '
+             '(in_progress > paused > ready > pending). Drives '
+             'JobWorkspace landing focus + card_state. Stored so '
+             'card_state\'s `active_step_id.area_kind` dependency '
+             'can search back to dependent jobs without erroring.',
     )
 
     # ===== 2026-05-23 Plant-view kanban — card_state + mini_timeline ====