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What is the difference between a process and a standard operating procedure?

Published in Business Operations 2 mins read

A process describes how work gets done within an organization, while a standard operating procedure (SOP) outlines the specific steps to follow when performing a particular task.

Process: The Big Picture

  • Focus: Overall workflow, objectives, and how different tasks connect.
  • Scope: Broad, encompassing multiple activities and departments.
  • Example: The "customer onboarding process" might involve sales, marketing, and customer support teams.

Standard Operating Procedure: The Detailed Instructions

  • Focus: Specific actions, steps, and decision points for a single task.
  • Scope: Narrow, focusing on a single activity or procedure.
  • Example: The "SOP for processing customer orders" would detail each step, from receiving an order to shipping the product.

Key Differences:

Feature Process Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Focus Overall workflow and objectives Specific steps and actions
Scope Broad, encompassing multiple activities Narrow, focusing on a single task
Level of Detail High-level overview Detailed instructions
Purpose To guide work and ensure consistency To standardize a task and ensure accuracy
Example Customer onboarding process Processing customer orders

Practical Insights:

  • Processes drive efficiency: They ensure tasks are completed in a logical order, minimizing wasted time and effort.
  • SOPs ensure consistency: They provide clear guidelines for performing tasks, reducing errors and ensuring consistent results.
  • Together, they create a framework for success: Processes provide the roadmap, while SOPs offer the detailed instructions for navigating it.

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