Standard operating procedures, together with company policies are the basic internal company documents that helps to manage processes and behavior of people. SOP is usually structured description and provide clear instructions on how to perform a process, task or an activity. The SOP have to contain:
- What need to be done
- Who is to carry it out and
- how to do it.
Standard operating procedure must be specific and provide clear instructions to workers for the task at hand. SOP are available to workers so that they have all the information on how to complete their job or work tasks step by step.
In some cases, the standard operating procedure is not detailed enough and an even more detailed document is needed. Work instructions or manuals are very detailed documents describing individual work tasks in detail and often also include best practice for each activity. They are in the form of a document that contains detailed instructions for workers, for example for machine operators, how to perform a specific action or activity.
Why Are Standard Operating Procedures Important for Small and Growing Businesses?
- SOPs create consistency in how tasks and processes are carried out
- They ensure that employees, vendors, and partners are on the same page
- Many companies use SOPs to maintain best practices
- SOPs are valuable for training new hires during onboarding
- They help minimize mistakes in work tasks and processes
- SOPs offer clear, step-by-step guidelines to assist employees in their duties
Examples of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Software Installation
- Tracking Missing Payments
- Order Submission
- Proposal Preparation
- Webinar Planning
What should a standard procedure include
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) usually includes the following elements:
- Purpose of the SOP and definitions of key terms
- Objectives and methods for achieving them
- Roles and responsibilities of team members
- Step-by-step instructions and assigned duties
- Required tools and resources