Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are standardized documents that define how an organization carries out its operations in a consistent manner to meet objectives. SOPs help train staff, guide troubleshooting, add value through reduced risk and consistency, and serve as a roadmap for how work is executed. Developing SOPs involves documenting current procedures and fine-tuning them when possible, and SOPs should be reviewed annually and adjusted based on internal and external changes to ensure they continue to deliver desired outcomes.

1. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES IN NUTSHELL
Standard Operating Procedure as the name suggests are standardized procedures
(unique to the organisation for which prepared) designed to execute operations in
defined manner whereby organisational objectives are achieved and all rules and
regulations are adhered.
SOPs are policies and procedures which need to be setup across organisation so as
to achieve desired quality standards. Once functional SOPs become stepping step for
success.
It is a document which serves as a roadmap for execution of work within the
organisation. It explains and answers to questions “HOW TO” helps in training staff
and transforming questions into results.
SOPs add value to organisations in various ways like:
SOPs
Reduced Risk
Synchronization
amongst
departments
Better
Organisational
& Work
Environment
Guide for
Troubleshooting
Benchmarking
Consistencyof
Performance &
Performance
Tracking

2. Developing SOPs is not to be misconstrued with process re-engineering, it is process
of documenting current procedures and fine tuning them as far as possible to get the
desired results, only when processes are obsolete and no other way out is left a
procedure is to be re-engineered.
SOPs are to be designed keeping in mind the organisational objectives goals,
management’s aspirations and expectations along with feasibility at ground level to
meet those expectations.
Crux of any SOP rests within the reporting structure which leaves trail of work executed
in form of reports. The better and simpler the reporting structure the more easier it is
to track its performance and lapses. SOPs are to be froze after vouchsafing whether
they are able to deliver the desired outcomes in light of internal and external
environmental changes and if not are to be rectified and adjusted. Henceforth it
becomes necessary and unavoidable to review SOPs at least annually.
SOPs may include detailed working explaining how to execute daily work in a given
scenario and are known as Desktop Procedures. Its based upon management how
detailed and insightful SOPs are required by them.
Success of SOPs resides in its understanding, acceptability, functionality, room for
change and reporting structures created.
DESIGN &
REDESIGN
DEVELOP
IMPLEMENT
REVIEW &
FEEDBACK