What is a standard operating procedure (SOP)?

A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a formal document from quality management that specifies how processes are to be carried out and what responsibilities there are. The purpose of a standard operating procedure is to ensure that all process steps are carried out correctly and in the correct sequence in order to avoid any errors. Procedural instructions are required by the ISO 9001 standard, among others.

Why is a standard operating procedure needed?

A standard operating procedure is required to ensure that a specific task or process is carried out in accordance with the applicable standards, regulations and requirements. The process instruction specifies the way in which processes are carried out. An optimized process instruction can increase the efficiency and quality of processes. It can also ensure that legal requirements are complied with. The process instructions can also be used as training material for the induction of new employees.

What is the difference between a standard operating procedure and a work instruction?

A work instruction describes how a specific process or work is carried out. The work instruction is a kind of instruction that shows the employee how to carry out a process. A standard operating procedure, on the other hand, specifies in a binding manner how procedures and processes are to be carried out in the company.

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