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🦾 Standard opearting procedure

A set of instructions made by an organisation to help workers carry out tasks.

It's a document that provides clear-cut out directions and instructions as to how teams and members within an organisation must go about completing certain processes.

The difference between a SOP and a procedural document is process documentation is included. This provides a high level overview of the process in question.

Formats​

  • Step by Step – Sufficient to create a simple numbered or bulleted list of steps
  • Hierarchical – Has subsets: 1a 1b 1c...
    • It provides extra detail Suitable when more instructions are needed
  • Flow chart

Step-by-Step

  • May be sufficient to create a simple numbered or bulleted list of steps
  • This format should only be used when the process is straightforward, including:
    • Setup instructions
    • Digital login sequences

Hierachical

  • Provides additional details within each step
  • Whereas step by step lists as 1 2 3, hierachical lists as 1a 1b 2a `2b...
  • This is used when more information is needed

Flow Chart

  • Flowcharts are best used to illustrate SOPs when multiple outcomes are possible at certain points throughout the process.

Importance​

  • Ensures adherence to best practices
    • It ensures the team is always acting in the best interest of the organisation
    • It improves the changes of experiencing a positive outcome in a given situation
    • It minimses the chances of encountering obstacles throughout the process
  • Ensures consistency
    • Enables your organisation to work the same way, no matter who is doing the task
  • Enables proper onboarding and training
    • Will make employee onboarding easier
    • Improves how you train staff members
  • Maintaines organisational knowledge

Includes​

SOP's Include:

  • Checklists
  • Tutorials
  • Process maps, diagrams or flowcharts
  • Photos, screenshots, or illustrations
  • Videos
  • Policies