Standard operating procedure

How it is used

People write, follow, update and train on SOPs, and auditors check that workers use the current version. On the shop floor a simpler one-page version is often called a work instruction. The abbreviation is said letter by letter: S-O-P.

Example sentences

1. Please follow the standard operating procedure for cleaning the mixer; it changed last month.

2. Every new operator signs the standard operating procedure (SOP) after training.

Common collocations

• follow the SOP
• write a standard operating procedure
• update the SOP
• SOP training

Related terms

• work studyThe systematic study of how work is done, using method study and work measurement, to find better methods and set fair time standards.
• auditA planned, independent check of whether a process, product or management system follows the required standards, procedures and rules.
• quality controlThe work of checking products and processes against set standards to find defects and keep quality at the required level. Often shortened to QC.
• poka-yokeA simple device or design feature that prevents a mistake or makes it obvious at once, such as a part that can only fit one way. Japanese for 'mistake-proofing'.

More terms: Process Improvement

• continuous improvement
• kaizen
• root cause analysis
• Pareto chart
• fishbone diagram
• 5 Whys
• PDCA cycle
• streamline