Work Product (Artifact): Standard Operating Procedures
Detailed written instructions that are implemented to achieve uniformity in the performance of a specific function.
Purpose
Standard Operating Procedures are meant to be a guide to standardize and establish a set of instructions that addresses the who, what, where and when of an activity.
Relationships
RolesResponsible: Modified By:
Input ToMandatory: Optional: External:
  • None
Main Description
Standard Operating procedures (SOP) are a set of instructions covering those features of operations which lend themselves to a definite procedure without loss of effectiveness. It provides step-by-step how-to instructions that enable anyone within an operation to perform the task in a consistent manner. It serves as framework for organizational policy by providing structure and direction.
Properties
Optional
Planned
Tailoring
Impact of not havingWithout an SOP, it may be difficult to identify all the policies and procedures that are in place to handle repetitive situations/tasks. In the absence of an SOP, there could be inconsistencies in operating procedures within an operation/organization.
Reasons for not needingN/A

Version and Release

Unified Life Cycle (ULC): 5.1, November 3, 2014
Phase Gates: 1.1, May 27, 2014
Process Engineering Process (PEP): 1.1, May 27, 2014