Dairy Alliance

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Format

Two factors determine what type of SOP to use:

• First, how many decisions will the user need to make during the procedure?
• Second, how many steps and sub-steps are in the procedure?

Simple Steps

A simple step SOP works well for a task or procedure that is short, repetitive, and requires few decisions.

A milking procedure provides a good opportunity to use a simple step SOP. Click here to see an example of a simple step milking procedure.

Hierarchal

The hierarchical step format allows the use of easy-to-read steps for experienced users while including more detailed sub-steps as well.

This format is good for straightforward procedures that are longer in length.  Experienced users can refer to the more detailed sub-steps only when they need to, while beginners can use the detailed sub-steps to help them learn the procedure.

Click here to see an example of a hierarchal step SOP. 

Graphic

This format is ideal for writing procedures for long activities, or for accommodating more than one language.  Graphics can be used to break long processes into shorter sub-processes that consist of only a few steps. Actual photos of someone performing the SOP can help users who speak different languages.  These SOPs are easy to create with a digital camera and computer.

Click here to see a SOP in graphic format. 

Flowcharts

Procedures that require decisions should be presented as a flowchart. Flowcharts use graphics to present the logical steps of a decision making process.

Managers want every employee to be able to make correct decisions consistently.  Flowcharts make this much easier to accomplish.  Find an example flow chart for heat detection here.