what is sop

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations. The goal of an SOP is to ensure that operations are carried out accurately and consistently, achieving efficiency, quality output, and uniformity of performance while reducing errors and miscommunication. SOPs can be used in a wide range of contexts, including manufacturing, healthcare, aviation, and food service. They can provide employees with a reference to common business practices, activities, or tasks, allowing new employees to answer questions without having to interrupt supervisors to ask how an operation is performed. SOPs can also improve communication throughout an organization, as they are updated and redistributed to anyone who uses them when a task changes, helping the organization efficiently communicate the change to anyone affected. Finally, SOPs are frequently used when hiring and training.