SOP for Manufacturing Company
Ensure compliance with manufacturing SOPs. Easy-to-use mobile app to streamline manufacturing SOPs
Ensure compliance with manufacturing SOPs. Easy-to-use mobile app to streamline manufacturing SOPs
Published 30 Nov 2021
A manufacturing standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of documented instructions created to help workers perform routine manufacturing tasks. It can be used for manual and automated tasks, and also functions as a guide for safe work practices. Compliance with manufacturing SOPs helps promote work consistency, prevent loss of quality, and retain brand reputation.
A manufacturing SOP Compliance Template is used to ensure that workers follow the prescribed SOPs for operations. It can be used by plant operations managers when performing walkthrough inspections to verify worker compliance and note noncompliance.
This article features the following:
A good manufacturing SOP is designed to streamline the production process while minimizing the risk of errors. Noncompliance with manufacturing SOPs could result in the following consequences:
Complying with regulations and producing consistent outputs don’t have to be an arduous journey. Preparing a well-written manufacturing SOP document can guide employees to perform routine tasks in the best and safest way possible. There is no official standard in writing an SOP document. However, some steps can help in writing an effective SOP.
Writing your manufacturing SOP begins with thinking of what you want to accomplish. Whether starting a new process or improving an existing one, determining the end game or the goal makes it easier to write the SOP document.
To give you an idea, we’ve written down the following examples:
Manufacturing SOP Compliance Template | Example 1: |
Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to ensure that the correct steps are taken to roast, freeze-dry, and process coffee beans to produce instant coffee. |
Tablet Compression SOP Checklist | Example 2: |
Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to ensure that the correct steps are taken when using the tablet press to perform tablet compression. |
The scope defines the extent of your SOP document. It clarifies details such as limitations or exceptions of the SOP, and the people who will be engaging with it or will be impacted.
Manufacturing SOP Compliance Template | Example 1: |
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Scope: |
– Where is the SOP to be used? Chemical Manufacturing Lab – Who is the SOP for? Lab Personnel and Tablet Press Operators – Are there any specific limitations or exceptions to this SOP? This only applies to the production of pharmaceutical tablets. |
Tablet Compression SOP Checklist | Example 2: |
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Scope: |
– Where is the SOP to be used? Chemical Manufacturing Lab – Who is the SOP for? Lab Personnel and Tablet Press Operators – Are there any specific limitations or exceptions to this SOP? This only applies to the production of pharmaceutical tablets. |
There are various formats you can write an SOP document. A manufacturing SOP commonly uses a step-by-step format, which is straightforward and easy to follow. There’s also the hierarchical format which is similar to the prior, the only difference is that it provides more detailed and specific instruction for each step. Lastly, the flowchart format where processes are illustrated. This is most suitable for processes that require decision-making. You can choose to use one or combine them, so long as it’s appropriate and can be easily understood by your audience.
Depending on the format you chose, start writing down the procedures of your SOPs focus. A good principle to follow when writing is the 5 C’s: clear, concise, correct, courteous, and complete. Doing so will help eliminate the guesswork from the procedure and ensure that each step performed is consistent.
Manufacturing SOP Compliance Template | Example 1: |
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Procedure: |
Step 1 – Wear PPE or sanitary clothing before entering the production floor Step 2 – Activate vents before turning on industrial machines Step 3 – Set oven to 200°C for initial roasting of coffee beans Step 4 – Set coffee freezing hall to -50°C Step 5 – Put on thermal clothing before entering coffee freezing hall Step 6 – Set low pressure vacuum at 60°C Step 7 – Check conformity to specs and for visual defects during assembly line production Step 8 – Perform final inspections before products are packed in boxes |
Tablet Compression SOP Checklist | Example 2: |
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Procedure: |
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Preview the full manufacturing standard operating procedure sample PDF report.
After writing your SOP document, review and test it with other team members before sending it to stakeholders for approval. Once it gets approved, it will then be implemented and shared across relevant employees. However, it doesn’t stop there. SOPs should be continuously reviewed and updated, preferably every 6-12 months or as necessary.
Perform hassle-free SOP compliance checks using a digital checklist. Use iAuditor on your phone or tablet and do walkthrough site inspections to ensure that workers are complying with manufacturing SOPs. Take notes and assign necessary actions to address noncompliance. With iAuditor, the world’s #1 mobile inspection app, you can also:
A standard operating procedure template for food manufacturing is used to evaluate if workers adhere to food manufacturing protocols such as handwashing, cleaning, and sanitizing food contact surfaces prior to production. Workers can use this as a guide to prevent missteps and ensure product quality.
A tablet compression SOP template is used to ensure that the correct steps are taken by lab personnel when using the tablet press. This can be used by lab supervisors when doing walkthrough inspections and SOP compliance observations.