SOPs, more formally known as standard operating procedures, are documented practices designed to ensure consistency in business practices and operations. Many people think of SOPs as only applicable in hands-on laboratory and manufacturing contexts. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one of the main goals of SOPs is mandating how equipment is maintained, adjusted and used. However, SOPs can also cover more analytical processes, meaning that they can be applied in a variety of business contexts.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a document dictating a set of explicit instructions to successfully accomplish a specific goal. SOPs are intended to be followed without deviation, and provide all the required details and decision branches required to perform a given procedure.
Meaning
o SOP stands for "standard operating procedure."
Features
o An SOP includes step-by-step instructions for completing a specific task.
Significance
o SOPs are useful when a specific process must be followed every time a task is performed.
Potential
o A written SOP will allow a person who is unfamiliar with the task to fill in. If an employee quit with no notice, the SOP would help another employee complete that person's work.
Warning
o An SOP should only include instructions for one task. Overloading an SOP with irrelevant information will make it difficult to use.
Expert Insight
o While it takes time to write an effective SOP, it will increase efficiency. Employees who follow an SOP will not miss important steps in a process
o SOP stands for "standard operating procedure."
Features
o An SOP includes step-by-step instructions for completing a specific task.
Significance
o SOPs are useful when a specific process must be followed every time a task is performed.
Potential
o A written SOP will allow a person who is unfamiliar with the task to fill in. If an employee quit with no notice, the SOP would help another employee complete that person's work.
Warning
o An SOP should only include instructions for one task. Overloading an SOP with irrelevant information will make it difficult to use.
Expert Insight
o While it takes time to write an effective SOP, it will increase efficiency. Employees who follow an SOP will not miss important steps in a process
