Standard operational Procedures

Standard operationnal procedures are being used in many different spheres but all have the same purpose. Standardize any type of procedure, ensure repeatability of a process, allow employees to be trained easily and make it clear as to who is responsible for each step of the process.

Basically, SOP's are tools put in place to help get business done faster. If you are thinking of repeating an operation more than once, you should really consider implementing the use of Standard Operationnal Procedures, it will also add loads of value to your Company.

Having SOP's will free up the Brain of your employees so they can focus on what they were hired to do by having clear indications on how to proprely execute their tasks.

Creating consistency in each tasks performed by multiple different employees will prevent mistakes from happening. In the case it does happen, you will be able to easily indentify where the problem might have occured in the process by reviewing each steps.

They are also very usefull when it comes to following Industry standards and requirements.

The process you put in place should not leave space for interpretation or raise questions.

It should be clear and simple but thorough.

4 questions you should ask yourself while creating an SOP

1. Who is Responsible for the each steps? 
2. Who is Accountable for ensuring the overall process is done and procedures are respected? 
3. Who should be Consulted about the process or has information to guide the process? 
4. Who should be Informed that it has been completed? 

Finally, to make sure everyone understands the process, you should make it clear as to why each procedure was put in place and why it has to be done a certain way. Someone who understands why something needs to be done is more likely to remember the steps and be able to repeat them in another activity.