How to Write a Standard Operations Procedure Manual

With the provision that every staff follows the steps in the standard operating procedure manual, a positive outcome will occur. Separate manuals may exist for each department, or one standard operating procedure manual can contain guidelines for the task of the whole company. Writing a standard operating procedure manual has following steps:

Rough draft

Make a rough draft of each of the standard operating procedure you need to contain. Because the manual is a collection of precise standard operating procedures, create a list of every task you need to include in the manual. This draft will work as your guide to guarantee that you include every function in the manual.

Introduction

Write an introduction that directly communicates with the users of the manual. In the introduction, include a short description of the contents of the manual, the readers’ expectations while using the manual, and the best way to utilize the manual, for instance, using it as a reference to search for when situations arise in the place of work.

Write the first task

To complete the whole manual, you will require starting with one task at a time. Start with the first task in your rough draft. Outline the steps involved in accomplishing each task and continue doing the same for each step. Make sure that all the steps are pure and brief; however, giving sufficient information that anyone can follow the guidelines.

Have someone else read the SOP

Give the standard operating procedure to anyone to read it through. It can be an employee or someone you are familiar with. These individuals can offer suggestions if there are steps that they cannot be comprehended or accomplish.

Upgrade the SOP

You will then improve the standard operating procedure according to the suggestions. You can rewrite, add or edit the instructions or even perform all of the three on the manual.

Write the next standard operating procedure

Write the next SOP while repeating the same for steps 3 to 5

Compile the entire SOP into a bidder including the cover page

Distribute to all employees and encourage regular feedback and updates when appropriate