Work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are job aids that ensure business processes are carried out correctly. Whether for new employee training, working with new equipment, or standardizing current procedures, these job aids help create a safer and more productive workplace.

Here, we’ll dive into the differences between work instructions and SOPs, and the best use cases for each.

What is a standard operating procedure?

A standard operating procedure is a high-level overview of a process that needs to be carried out according to certain specifications. It generally contains an outline or checklist of what needs to happen across functions or departments to carry out a procedure successfully—including specific tasks that a maintenance team member must perform.

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