Why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are Important for Any Business


The SOP process is critical to success just like a recipe is important. They contain the necessary information to make a dish properly. As with any set of instructions, you reply on them to give you all of the information you need. Recipes also ensure standardization.


Steps to follow:


  1. Devise a Plan – Make a plan and set goals. Standard Operating Procedures are designed to achieve specific results. Decide what goals will be achieved and how these goals will be measured.
  2. Select a Format – Select a format for the procedure. There are formats to choose from such as a graphic format, hierarchical steps, and simple steps to name some options. Decide which option is best for your business and procedure. One way to do this is to observe an employee performing the task.
  3. Employee Review – Provide copies of the procedure to employees who perform this task. Ask for feedback. Ask the employees what works well and what doesn’t. Make revisions if necessary. Employees can help the procedure process become more efficient, effective, and improve quality.
  4. More Review – Conduct internal and external reviews. Recruit advisers inside and outside your business. Find individuals that have the same and different expertise. Ask for feedback.
  5. Implement – There is only one way to know if a procedure is well written and that is to test it. Have an employee test the process by performing the procedure as written. Have the writer observe the process. Have another employee not familiar with the process perform the task. Have the writer observe the task. If the person is confused or hesitates while being observed, then revisit the process and revise.
  6. Publish – Make a final copy of the procedure. Post it where applicable. Such as employee handbook, training manual, and/or work area. Be certain to keep the procedures up to date. If the SOP is available in a work area, then consider enlargement or lamination so it accessible to the employee in all conditions.
  7. Train and Retrain – It is necessary to train or retrain all employees to establish consistency. People interpret information differently, so it is important that the trainer explain and demonstrate the procedure. It is also important to give the trainee an opportunity to practice. Have the trainer share one thing the learner did well and one thing the learner can improve on.


In conclusion, SOP’s are instructions that should be understandable to everyone. Writers should always try to write procedures that are clear and concise. These instructions are the difference between success and failure. When put together in a collaborative way these standard operating procedures can act like a recipe that results in your favorite dish!

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