SOP ExamplesReal Standard Operating Procedures by Industry

Purpose: To prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illness in all food preparation areas.

1. 1Wet hands with warm running water (at least 100°F / 38°C).
2. 2Apply soap and lather for a minimum of 20 seconds, covering all surfaces including between fingers and under nails.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly under running water.
4. 4Dry hands with a single-use paper towel or air dryer.
5. 5Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet to avoid recontamination.
6. 6Record handwashing compliance in the daily log every 2 hours.

Purpose: To ensure safe and proper machine operation before each production run.

1. 1Verify lockout/tagout (LOTO) has been removed by authorized personnel.
2. 2Inspect machine for visible damage, loose components, or obstructions.
3. 3Check oil levels, coolant, and hydraulic fluid — top up if below minimum line.
4. 4Confirm all safety guards and shields are properly secured.
5. 5Power on the machine and run a 2-minute idle test — listen for abnormal sounds.
6. 6Record pre-operation check in the machine log before beginning production.

Purpose: To ensure new hires are effectively integrated and productive from day one.

1. 1Send welcome email with first-day instructions, parking info, and dress code 3 days before start date.
2. 2Prepare workstation, access credentials, and required equipment by 8 AM on start date.
3. 3Conduct orientation session covering company culture, policies, and org chart (Day 1, 9–11 AM).
4. 4Complete all required paperwork: I-9, W-4, direct deposit, benefits enrollment.
5. 5Assign 30-60-90 day goals in coordination with the hiring manager.
6. 6Schedule Week 1 check-in for Day 5 to address questions and confirm role clarity.

Purpose: To ensure consistent, timely resolution of IT support issues and maintain service levels.

1. 1Acknowledge all new tickets within 30 minutes during business hours (8 AM–6 PM).
2. 2Attempt first-line resolution using the knowledge base — document steps taken.
3. 3If unresolved within 2 hours, escalate to Tier 2 support with full notes attached.
4. 4For P1 (critical) tickets, notify the IT Manager immediately via phone, not just email.
5. 5Update the ticket status every 4 hours until resolution.
6. 6Close ticket within 24 hours of resolution and send user satisfaction survey.

Purpose: To accurately register patients while ensuring compliance with HIPAA and billing requirements.

1. 1Greet patient and verify identity using two identifiers (full name + date of birth).
2. 2Confirm insurance eligibility in real-time via the billing system.
3. 3Collect or update demographic information, emergency contacts, and medical history.
4. 4Obtain signed consent for treatment and HIPAA acknowledgment.
5. 5Scan and attach all insurance cards and photo ID to the patient record.
6. 6Notify clinical staff of patient arrival and estimated wait time.

Purpose: To ensure accurate and timely processing of all inbound inventory.

1. 1Verify the delivery vehicle against the expected arrival schedule.
2. 2Cross-check packing slip quantities with the purchase order line by line.
3. 3Inspect all cartons for visible damage before signing the Bill of Lading.
4. 4Scan each SKU into the warehouse management system (WMS) upon receipt.
5. 5Place items in the designated staging area and apply location labels.
6. 6Notify the purchasing team of any discrepancies within 2 hours.

Purpose: To ensure accurate, timely payment of vendor invoices and maintain financial controls.

1. 1Receive invoice via email to ap@company.com — auto-route to AP queue.
2. 2Verify invoice against corresponding purchase order and receiving document (3-way match).
3. 3Code invoice to the correct cost center and GL account.
4. 4Route invoices over $5,000 to the department manager for approval.
5. 5Enter approved invoice into accounting system with payment due date.
6. 6Process payment on the scheduled payment run (every Tuesday and Thursday).

Purpose: To resolve customer complaints quickly and consistently while preserving customer loyalty.

1. 1Listen to the complaint without interrupting — use active listening techniques.
2. 2Apologize sincerely and acknowledge the customer's frustration.
3. 3Log the complaint in the CRM with full details including product/order number.
4. 4Offer an immediate resolution (refund, replacement, or discount) within your authority level.
5. 5If outside your authority, escalate to supervisor within 5 minutes — remain with the customer.
6. 6Follow up within 24 hours to confirm the customer is satisfied with the resolution.

Purpose: To ensure all workers are aware of daily hazards and safety requirements before work begins.

1. 1Assemble all workers at the designated meeting point 15 minutes before work begins.
2. 2Review the day's work plan, identifying high-risk activities (e.g., work at height, excavation).
3. 3Confirm PPE requirements for each task: hard hats, safety vests, harnesses, gloves.
4. 4Identify emergency exits, first aid kit location, and nearest hospital route.
5. 5Address any near-misses or incidents from the previous day.
6. 6Sign attendance sheet — no work begins until all present workers have signed.

Purpose: To prevent cross-contamination between production batches per GMP regulations.

1. 1Confirm the previous product batch has been fully discharged and documented.
2. 2Use the approved cleaning agent listed in the master batch record (MBR).
3. 3Disassemble equipment components as specified in the equipment manual.
4. 4Clean all surfaces using the validated cleaning method — record time and temperature.
5. 5Rinse three times with purified water and collect rinse samples for QC testing.
6. 6Attach 'Clean – Awaiting Validation' tag. QC must sign off before next use.