Do You have SOP?
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are a set of clearly written instructions outlining the specific activities needed to complete a task. This task may be simply closing the office at night or it could be to install the thingamajig in the whatyamacallit. These instructions or directions are written in simple language often with pictures so that all operations and employees required to perform this task are able to understand and do it. Simply put: procedures create standardized work with repeatable results.
Standard Operating procedures usually have the following characteristics:
• Idenitify where will this task be done
• Assign who has this task in their job description
• Idenitfy who will be responsible for the successful completion of this task
• The time needed to complete this task
• Define how this task contributes to the customer's satisfaction or profitability of the company
• Timeframe of when this task is done (many times per day, daily, weekly, monthly, seasonally)
• Actual procedures will be in simple language and often have pictures
Before you throw up your hands and say "I don't have time to do that", here are some of the basic reasons for doing SOP.
• Identify the flow of work from the beginning to the end.
• Error elimination or reduction.
• Provide a training manual for new employees/workers.
• Assists when solving production problems.
• Provide evidence of quality standards are in place.
• Provide evidence for excellence in the workforce.
• The MOST important tool when selling your business - you are selling a provable system with directions!
Businesses that implement procedures have also found that:
1) Creativity is increased because staff doesn't have to keep reinventing how to do something -- especially those tasks that are seasonal or not done frequently.
2) Stress levels are reduced on both management and labor because each knows what needs to be done and how; no more guess work.
If you are looking at your business and saying, how can I do this, start with the area of your business that has the most headaches. Putting standards there first will give you great feedback and results.
Copyright 2011 Linda Lucas Fayerweather
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
419-897-0528
