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How to create an excellent SOP in 10 steps.


Man training woman on SOP
Envisago SOPs

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential tools for any business that seeks to maintain consistency, efficiency, and quality in their operations. A well-crafted SOP serves as a guide for internal and contract staff, outlining the best practices and procedures to complete specific tasks or processes. Here, we provide you with 10 steps to makes sure your SOPs are effective and user-friendly.


1. Be Clear on Purpose and Scope


Every SOP should begin with a clear statement of its purpose and scope. Scope here is critical because you need to consider what phase or aspect of a process you are considering. You need to define a clear start and end point. This starting section should explain why the procedure is necessary, what it aims to accomplish, and the context in which it should be applied. A well-defined purpose and scope set the foundation for the entire SOP and help staff understand its importance.


2. Ensure Comprehensive and Step-by-Step Instructions - Use the right language!


An effective SOP provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for completing the task or process. Each step should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. Be specific about the actions required, the sequence in which they should be performed, and any necessary tools or resources. Avoid using jargon or technical terms without explaining their meaning. Use action verbs i.e. create, transfer, copy. Avoid placing multiple actions in one step. If needed split out actions into an additional step.


3. Use Visuals


We are visual beings. Including visual aids, such as flowcharts, diagrams, or even photographs, can greatly enhance the clarity and usability of an SOP. Visual aids help to break down complex processes into easily digestible segments and can be particularly helpful for rapid learning.


4. Include Clear Roles and Responsibilities


Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all individuals involved in the process. This should include any specific tasks that must be completed by certain individuals or teams, as well as any necessary approvals or sign-offs. By outlining roles and responsibilities, an SOP ensures that everyone involved understands their part in the process. Roles and Responsibilities can be visually mapped using swim lanes in a diagramming software such as Microsoft Visio or Lucid Charts.


5. Include Compliance Information if relevant


If your SOP involves tasks or processes that have compliance requirements, be sure to include this information. For example in Financial Services, this may involve outlining regulatory guidelines that must be followed. Considering labelling these as 'compliance steps' to ensure high priority.


6. Have a Document Control Section


To ensure that your SOP remains up-to-date and relevant, include a document control section that details the SOP's version number, author, approval authority, and revision history. This will help employees identify the most current version of the SOP and understand any changes that have been made from previous versions. This can be a good reflector of process improvement and agility.


7. Include a Glossary and Definitions Section


Include a glossary or definitions section to explain any specialised terms, acronyms, or jargon used in the SOP. This will help to ensure that all staff, regardless of their tenure or expertise, can understand and follow the procedure.


8. Consider adding Training and Competency Requirements


If you have a well developed staff training and development program and if the process or task outlined in the SOP requires specific training or competency, be sure to include this information. Detail any necessary training programs, certifications, or qualifications that staff must possess to perform the procedure effectively.


9. Introduce relevant Performance Metrics and Monitor SOP Effectiveness


Establish performance metrics and monitoring processes to evaluate the effectiveness of the SOP. This may include key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular audits. KPIs can be split across quality, speed and cost measures for example defect rate, any discovered errors in the process, cycle time i.e. how long it takes to perform an SOP and team productivity. You can also consider elements like staff engagement/feedback and also new hire onboarding/training effectiveness. Well crafted SOPs should speed up the training process considerably. Monitoring the SOP's performance will help identify areas for improvement and ensure the procedure remains relevant and effective.


10. Review and Update Process


Finally, outline the process for reviewing and updating the SOP. This should include a schedule for regular review and the steps for proposing, reviewing, and approving changes. A well-maintained SOP is more likely to remain relevant and effective in the face of evolving industry standards, technologies, and best practices.


For further information on how to improve your operation through effective process and SOP design, email us at hello@envisago.com or book a call with us today.

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