SOPs & Process Documentation

What Is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)?

An SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) is a detailed, written instruction document that describes how to perform a routine activity.

An SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) is a detailed, written instruction document that describes how to perform a routine activity. SOPs ensure consistency, quality, and compliance by giving every team member the same step-by-step instructions to follow.

Organizations use SOPs to make results repeatable regardless of who does the work, to train new hires faster, and to meet regulatory or audit requirements. Browse free SOP templates or read tips for implementing SOPs.

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Frequently asked questions

What does SOP stand for?
SOP stands for Standard Operating Procedure — a documented, repeatable process for carrying out a routine task.
What's the difference between an SOP and a work instruction?
An SOP describes an entire process at a high level, while a work instruction zooms into exactly how to perform one specific task within that process.

Related terms

Process Documentation
Process documentation is a written record that describes how a business process works from start to finish.
Work Instruction
A work instruction is a detailed document that describes exactly how to perform a specific task within a process.
Workflow
A workflow is a sequence of tasks or steps that are performed to complete a business process.
Checklist
A checklist is a list of items or tasks that need to be completed or verified.

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