A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a step-by-step set of instructions to help teams or members of an organization complete routine tasks. SOPs help teams achieve efficiency, improve quality and output, and comply with industry regulations.
SOPs are developed to ensure that routine tasks are performed consistently, accurately, safely, and efficiently across an organization. They can be used to train new or existing staff members on different processes and procedures. SOPs also serve as documentation to demonstrate compliance with various quality standards and regulations such as ISO.
A standard operating procedure should contain the following elements:
SOPs ensure that products are produced without errors. They also help streamline processes and keep everyone on the same page so that products are released on schedule and within budget. More importantly, SOPs ensure that all team members adhere to applicable regulatory requirements throughout the new product development and introduction (NPDI) process.
Delivering new products to market is challenging. And it is difficult to see the cost impact of one or more mistakes.
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