Standard Operation Procedure
A Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) is a document consisting of step-by-step information on how to execute a task correctly and in a professional manner.
Any document that is a “how to” falls into the category of Standard Operation Procedure (SPO). The most obvious example of an SOP is the step by step production line procedures used to make products as well as train staffs for quality services.
An SOP, in fact, defines expected practices in all businesses where quality standards exist. SOPs play an important role in any businesses. SOPs are policies, procedures and standards you need in the operations, marketing and administrating disciplines within your business to ensure success.
Standard Operation Procedure Can Create:
•Efficiency and therefore profitability.
•Consistency and reliability in production and services.
•Fewer errors in all areas.
•A healthy and safe environment.
•A road map on how to resolve issues.
•A first line of defence in any inspection.
•Value added to your business.
IMPORTANCE OF STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURE
PURPOSE
To give instruction for proper management, administration and carrying out a task for production of goods and services.
PRINCIPLE
Standard Operation Procedure are an essential part of a quality service. For all jobs and duties relevant SOPs should be available at the work station to guarantee that the correct version of the instruction is used.
ROUTINES
Well-written SOPs explained visually through a flow chart makes it easier for employees to do their jobs. They don`t have to guess how a task is done because they can follow a procedure made easy to reference on the computer or as a printout. Through a standard routine, employees enjoy more predictability in their jobs and can hone their skills on each task to raise their overall performance.
QUALITY CONTROL
SOPs helps you reduce the errors, or variations that occur in the mass production of a product or in carrying out a service. For example, if you own a restaurant that serves pizzas, you want SOPs for quality control. You want each pizzas to be equivalent on the production line to make sure all of your customers are catered in the same manner without any inequalities. You can use SOPs to discard products that fail to pass tests for quality control.
Some important types of SOPs are:
•SOPs for production and carrying out a service.
•SOPs for safety precautions.
•SOPs for handling an appliance, machines and other equipment.
•SOPs for quality assurance.
•SOPs for archiving and how to deal with complaints.
Here are a few reasons why SOP is necessary for the success of your team:
•To ensure compliance standards are met.
•To maximise quality service.
•To ensure procedure has no negative impact.
•To ensure safety.
•To ensure everything goes according to schedule.
•To prevent failures in production or service.
•To be used as a training document.
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