Writing our Standard Operating Procedures - Examples wanted

J

JaneB

#21
Mr Brahmaiah,

Here's a suggestion - why not post your own definitions of these (with examples) to add something to a debate, if it you really are interested in debating it. I'm sure a person of your calibre has a firm view.

Otherwise, as has been said:
This issue has been discussed many times...
It seriously doesn't matter what they're called, nor whether one person's 'procedure' is another's 'work instruction'. As far as I'm concerned, you can and could call 'em maps, guidelines, procedures, instructions, how to's, even yellow bikkies or whatever else takes your fancy.
 
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J

JaneB

#22
I was also wondering if anyone had an example of a change control procedure example. Anything you have would be great. Thanks
More info needed, such as:
1. Have you first searched the attachments?
2. In what context? ie, what field are you in.

Also: you're much more likely to get a useful response if start your own thread with what you want in the title, and giving the kinds of info I've outlined above. Many people may have given up on this thread, and thus will never find this particular request of yours hidden away as it is.
 
B

brahmaiah

#23
Mr Brahmaiah,

Here's a suggestion - why not post your own definitions of these (with examples) to add something to a debate, if it you really are interested in debating it. I'm sure a person of your calibre has a firm view.

Otherwise, as has been said:

It seriously doesn't matter what they're called, nor whether one person's 'procedure' is another's 'work instruction'. As far as I'm concerned, you can and could call 'em maps, guidelines, procedures, instructions, how to's, even yellow bikkies or whatever else takes your fancy.
It is not the same if you call an SOP A WI or a procedure.It is essential to define an SOP to make a distinction from a Work Instruction and a Procedure.I personally feel that an SOP is a readily understandable /readerfriendly chart displayed in a work place.
A work instruction or a procedure cannot be called an SOPas it is being called by many now.But an SOP contains information which may be found in both WI and procedure. I would select some examples next time after referring to my database.
I thing it we can not conclude this topic by saying "what is in a name?"
V.J.Brahmaiah
 
J

JaneB

#24
It is essential to define an SOP to make a distinction from a Work Instruction and a Procedure.
Why?
A work instruction or a procedure cannot be called an SOP as it is being called by many now.
Why not?
I personally feel that an SOP is a readily understandable /readerfriendly chart displayed in a work place.
Interesting. The nub of it is that this is what you think it is. Others can, do and will think differently. That's why the 'what's in a name?' point : opinions do vary, and I don't see this as a difficulty on this particular subject, providing that in any one particular organisation everyone's working off much the same understanding.

An interesting definition you've provided, and unique ("a readily understandable /readerfriendly chart displayed in a work place") - many might call that a WI. Or a work aid. Or a process aid, or any one of a dozen other terms.

This definition I suspect would be hotly contested by others. Mind you, I could wish that more things people call SOPS were readily understandable and/or user friendly, so I'm with you there. (And glad to see you're presenting it as an opinion rather than a mandated fact)

I thing it we can not conclude this topic by saying "what is in a name?"
Assuming you're saying one can't conclude a topic by saying 'what's in a name', why not?
 
B

brahmaiah

#25
Why?

Why not?

Interesting. The nub of it is that this is what you think it is. Others can, do and will think differently. That's why the 'what's in a name?' point : opinions do vary, and I don't see this as a difficulty on this particular subject, providing that in any one particular organisation everyone's working off much the same understanding.

An interesting definition you've provided, and unique ("a readily understandable /readerfriendly chart displayed in a work place") - many might call that a WI. Or a work aid. Or a process aid, or any one of a dozen other terms.

This definition I suspect would be hotly contested by others. Mind you, I could wish that more things people call SOPS were readily understandable and/or user friendly, so I'm with you there. (And glad to see you're presenting it as an opinion rather than a mandated fact)


Assuming you're saying one can't conclude a topic by saying 'what's in a name', why not?
A definition for a Technical term is a must if we go ahead in documenting a process.No doubt SOP is a work instruction and also it can be a procedure.But it is a unique thing called 'sop'.So it should have a specific definition.Because a work instruction should not be called an SOP and a procedure shoulld not be called an SOP.
Well you may still defuse the tension by saying 'WHAT,S IN A NAME'
V.J.Brahmaiah
 
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Peter Fraser

Trusted Information Resource
#26
It is not the same if you call an SOP A WI or a procedure.It is essential to define an SOP to make a distinction from a Work Instruction and a Procedure.I personally feel that an SOP is a readily understandable /readerfriendly chart displayed in a work place.
A work instruction or a procedure cannot be called an SOPas it is being called by many now.But an SOP contains information which may be found in both WI and procedure. I would select some examples next time after referring to my database.
I thing it we can not conclude this topic by saying "what is in a name?"
V.J.Brahmaiah
SOP = "Standard Operating Procedure", so it is by definition a type of "procedure". To my mind, the use of the words "Standard" and "Operating" add nothing, since i) if a procedure isn't standard then by implication you may or may not have to follow it, and ii) I can't think of an example of a procedure which describes how not to do something (ie "operate").

And I find that "Work Instruction" is normally used to describe in more detail how a specific task should be carried out.
 

Helmut Jilling

Auditor / Consultant
#27
My advice would be different. I have seen so many procedures over the years, and they often provide little value. I would advise you to simply define one procedure for each process you defined in your system (ref. ISO cl 4.1). Then, you and the process owner should discuss what you want to say to your audience for each process. Let it contain things to do, things not to do, who is responsible for which activities, links to other key processes, best practices and lessons learned over time. Plan to add content frequently, as you think of additional things. ISO does not require any specific format. If you do this, then one day, it might be YOUR procedures that people will use as an example.
 
J

JaneB

#28
A definition for a Technical term is a must if we go ahead in documenting a process.No doubt SOP is a work instruction and also it can be a procedure.But it is a unique thing called 'sop'.So it should have a specific definition.Because a work instruction should not be called an SOP and a procedure shoulld not be called an SOP.
Well you may still defuse the tension by saying 'WHAT,S IN A NAME'
V.J.Brahmaiah
I disagree that SOP is a 'technical term' or even a 'unique' thing. What's technical or unique about it? Nothing to my mind.

A Standard Operating Procedure is, as Peter points out, a type of procedure. Adding 'Standard Operating' to the start of that just adds words - after all, don't we want or expect people to follow procedures in any case? Not to mention the unpleasant SOP acronym! I suspect this may well be more 'technical' and 'unique' in particular environments - perhaps particularly the automative manufacturing ones you appear to be very familiar with. Many of my clients would sooner die than have things called 'SOPs' to contend with - well not die, perhaps, but they don't like the term and don't want it.

because a work instruction should not be called an SOP and a procedure shoulld not be called an SOP.
You haven't offered any convincing argument here - clearly you prefer them all to be Very Different Things. Fine - go right ahead. But I doubt the rest of the world will follow or agree.
 
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