What Is an SOP? Definition and Example
An SOP (standard operating procedure) is the approved, written way to do a task. Learn what it contains, a shop-floor example and how to make it digital.
Definition
An SOP, or standard operating procedure, is the approved, written description of how a recurring task must be done, by whom and with which checks. SOPs secure quality, safety and compliance. Actarion converts existing SOPs with AI into digital, step-by-step work instructions with AR guidance and an audit trail.
Why does it matter on the shop floor?
- SOPs sit in a folder nobody opens on the line.
- Auditors find that practice differs from the written procedure.
What is an SOP?
An SOP is a controlled document that describes the standard way to carry out a process. It states the purpose, scope, responsibilities, steps and required records.
SOPs are the backbone of ISO 9001, GMP and safety management. They describe what must happen at process level. A work instruction then describes how one task is done, step by step.
Key elements
- 1Purpose and scope.
- 2Roles and responsibilities.
- 3Procedure steps, checks and required records.
Example from the shop floor
A food plant has an SOP for cleaning a filling line between products. It defines who cleans, which agents to use and which check releases the line.
How does Actarion help?
- Actarion turns your SOPs into guided digital steps, so the procedure is followed and logged on the line.
- Digital, step-by-step work instructions generated from your SOPs with AI.
- AR guidance on tablets and AR glasses, with an audit trail per execution.
Frequently asked questions
An SOP describes the process and responsibilities. A work instruction details how one task is done, step by step.
Usually the process owner and quality assurance, following your document control procedure.
At a fixed interval set in your quality system, and after every relevant change or deviation.
