How do you write effective work instructions and SOPs?

Always include input from the operatives who’ll be using the doc in the future. Always make sure you include specific manufacturers instructions, where relevant and applicable. Use illustrations, flowcharts, quick lists etc. - SOP need to be clear and easy to follow. Integrated approach (QSHE) will save you time and will reduce paperwork 😉 simple icons for focus areas work a treat. Again, involve those who are on the line - most of the time they are your best subject matter experts. Listen to them, learn from them. If guidance is required, guide. Anything created by people for the people will be better received. The adequate level of adherence is expected to be higher, if the rule was created with the operatives expected to follow it.

Ensuring the effectiveness of your Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) involves adhering to specific criteria: 1. Standardized Template 2. Sequential Steps 3. Simplified Content 4. Visual Support 5. Critical Information Emphasis 6. Appendix Integration By incorporating these elements, your SOP will not only meet the specified criteria but also enhance clarity and effectiveness.

Its important to use the same template to have consistency and order in your work; to add clear, simple instructions and when possible, pictures and diagrams to better explain what we’re trying people to learn/understand

In order to create an excellent Work Instruction (WI) or Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) you must follow the next steps: 1) Involve the people who will use SOPs (supervisors, operators, maintenance, and so on). Is mandatory to take into consideration their points of view, their tips and use their expertise to create the best SOP. 2) Adapt your SOP aiming to be accessible for everyone: Take into account their experience and education level to create and easy-to-read WI. Some operators didn't have the chance to study, so you must write the document with simple words to make their work easier. 3) Put the documents in a place where everyone can have access to them.

Well, I think the first step is to understand the purpose of an instruction. Work instructions are made to standardizing routine processes and procedures, it can promote efficiency and save a lot of time. On top of that, work instructions will contribute to safety, particularly in fields involving manufacturing or physical labor, by minimizing the risk of injuries. From this perspective, you have to know as much of information as possible and it is crucial that you consult the people involved in the process, specially those who work with it everyday and perform a gap analysis to cover the unmatch points with the standards. Clarify the purpose (why the worker should read that instruction?) and use visuals (pictures, diagrams...).

Although clear the roles and responsibilities in details and the whole process from input to output with integrated approach Moreover SOP can be Audit to add value at any instance by revision as a continuous improvement tool

Use visuals such as diagrams, flowcharts, and images to supplement written instructions. Visual aids can enhance understanding and retention. Ensure that visuals are clear, labeled, and relevant to the content

Provide specific details for each step. Include measurements, quantities, and any critical information necessary for the task. Avoid ambiguous or vague language. Clearly define terms that may have different interpretations.

O uso de modelos padrões de instruções de trabalho e POPs garantem a padronização efetiva da fabricação das peças ou produtos determinando níveis de qualidade altíssimo deixando de utilizar a inspeção 100% para utilizar audit de peças ou produtos .

Exatamente. Inclusive temos hoje diversos recursos visuais que auxiliam na elaboração das instruções de trabalho. Uma instrução de trabalho válida é aquela que traz informações que facilitam o trabalho do colaborador mesmo sendo o primeiro dia dele naquele ambiente.

Structure your document in a logical sequence, following the natural flow of the process. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break down complex procedures into manageable steps.Provide specific details for each step. Include measurements, quantities, and any critical information necessary for the task. Avoid ambiguous or vague language. Clearly define terms that may have different interpretations.

Writing the instructions clearly and concisely is crucial, especially in manufacturing. SOP/procedure is the most common way to achieve the desired outcome. Some tips on writing steps in the SOP's: - use simple/common verb to describe the action (not everyone is as smart as you) - don't combine too many motions/actions in one step (people tend to skip or miss interpret if there are too many words) - A picture means a thousand words - avoid using prepositions to describe locations (close the valve by the pump, which valve? upstream? downstream?) - have a peer to check the SOP to see if she/he can clearly understand the instructions, and complete the task by following this procedure (if anyone can follow this SOP, then it's a good SOP)

Use a consistent throughout the document. Include revision dates and version numbers. Make the document easily accessible to everyone who needs it. Encourage feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Os documentos de Instruções de Trabalho e POPs devem conter informações claras , precisas que não gerem dúvidas , ou seja , deve ser autoexplicativo e de forma sequencial : passo a passo. Caso não de para explicar claramente , deve-se então desenhar um croquis da montagem , sequenciando-a peça a peça. A operações críticas devem ser sinalizadas, ou utilizar simbolos , assim como item de segurança ! Em relação ao uso da palavra o verbo deve estar no presente ,eviando jargoes , gírias e ambiguidades.

Regularly review and update your work instructions and SOPs to ensure they remain accurate and relevant. Seek input from those who perform the tasks regularly to incorporate their practical insights.

One of the best pieces of advice I received on evaluating work instructions is: "If you asked how to do something once, help them understand the directions. If you're asked a second time, evaluate the instructions obfuscation and ambiguity." When a new instruction is created, release it under an abbreviated review period and ensure that you document all questions you receive, as well as provide an anonymous forum to provide feedback. Leverage the feedback to identify where visuals, sentence structure, step increments, flow charts, or other instruction clarifications can be implemented to ensure comprehension. Repeat the abbreviated review process until the instructions receives minimal feedback.

It can also be helpful to create a maintenance schedule to periodically review and update procedures as needed. Software updates, tooling changes and continuous improvement initiatives can be overlooked and often omitted from SOPs if there is no call to action for updating the associated documents.

One that tends to be forgotten is often the clear acceptance criteria. It is often left out as it may be difficult to obtain at the beginning but as one gains the equipment experience, it is seldom to transfer it to the SOP. Hence, the importance to have robust feedback loop process to trigger the update of these instructions. Clear acceptance criteria triggers if a follow up action is required and/or effective record keeping for condition monitoring activities. This would help to improve the repeatability and effectiveness of the designed task. "Ensure the fan is aligned" is an example of what NOT to do.

Periodically, all work instructions need to be reviewed. Any non value addition steps need to be eliminated. Efficiency of the SOP must be reviewed too.

In der 🇨🇭 gibt es Berufslehren und eigentlich braucht es deswegen keine SOP's weil der gelernte Berufsausübende WEISS was er/sie macht. Solche dümmlichen SOP's, meist geschrieben von Theoretikern, kommen aus dem Land, wo es keine Berufsbildung gibt ( 🇺🇲 ). In China ist im übrigen auch nicht besser, weil sie dort das gleiche, bescheuerte Bildungssystem haben. Primary, secondary school und dann high school und college oder du bist nichts und hangelst dich mit SOP's durch's Leben.

In order to write effective work instructions (WI) and standard operating procedures (SOP), it is essential to designate a specific person to be in charge of this task. It's important not to ask employees to write their own WI or SOP. Additionally, the WI and SOP should be based on actual activities to ensure their effectiveness.

Always get the people that do the work on a daily basis to create the Standard work/SOP’s. Standard work/ SOP’s are only the current best known way to complete work. Make sure everyone is aware of this and continue to develop and improve the standard as work progresses and people learn the process.

To create an SOP or IK you have to look directly at the field. Use language that is easy to understand, in other words "ordinary people can do it too". If necessary, use visualization Write what you do and do what you write

I believe the best way to start is to watch the process in all its possible and in planned variables like starting after power cuts, after holidays, starting after week end, shifts, possible product variations, possible material variations. Physically some one with responsibility need to watch the process and document the steps. This needs to be repeated for all variations above and recorded. Inputs, expected outputs, process, controls, error state and reaction for error state, HSE aspects, inspection points need to be recorded. Once this is recorded low hanging issues are addressed and other points are sequenced in a sop template and send to all stakeholders for review. Once approved translate to regional language of users as well.

Always take feedback from the end user if they are facing any problems following those SOPs and incorporate the feedback. SOPs/WIs should be as practical as conformative and not just a fairytale scenario. Always try using simpler words and phrases instead of going fancy to help understand by everyone who has to follow. Use illustrative diagrams/pictures wherever they're helplful and required.