Standard Operating Procedure

Standard Operating Procedure (often abbreviated as SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out complex routine operations. SOPs aim to achieve efficiency, quality output and uniformity of performance, while reducing miscommunication and failure to comply with industry regulations.

Overview

The international quality standard ISO 9001 essentially requires the determination of processes (documented as standard operating procedures) used in any manufacturing process that could affect the quality of the product.

SOPs usually get applied in pharmaceutical processing and related industries where it is necessary to have instructions to perform certain operations. For instance, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has defined SOPs for various areas of environmental management, including waste water treatment and pesticide registration.

Purpose and use

SOPs are used to ensure consistency in business processes and are typically used in a wide variety of industries. They can cover anything from IT and finance to manufacturing and marketing. SOPs are often created to provide specific steps when performing particular tasks or activities to achieve a desired result.

Development

The development and use of SOPs are integral parts of a successful quality system. They provide information to perform a job properly and consistently to achieve pre-determined specification and a quality end-result. All too often, SOPs are of poor quality and are not used as intended.

See also

• Best practice
• Protocol (science)
• Workflow
• Checklist
• Operations manual

External links

• Regulatory Procedures Manual from the Food and Drug Administration
• Standard Operating Procedures from the United States Environmental Protection Agency

Standard Operating Procedure Resources
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