TOPBIZGUIDES — SMALL-BUSINESS SOP TEMPLATE
Sample resource created for the TopBizGuides 2.1 design review.
Editable plain text. Adapt it to the task and requirements of your business.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Task name: ________________________
Owner: ____________________________
Version / review date: ______________

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
What does this task achieve? When does this procedure apply?
____________________________________________________________

2. BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Equipment, access, materials, and information needed.
____________________________________________________________

3. STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
1. [Action + specific detail]
2. [Action + specific detail]
3. [Action + specific detail]

Exceptions: What should someone do if the usual steps do not work?
____________________________________________________________

4. COMPLETION CHECK
How will you know the work is complete?
____________________________________________________________

5. KEEP IT CURRENT
Where is the current copy stored? Who should hear about changes?
____________________________________________________________
Review trigger (e.g. a change in equipment or workflow):
____________________________________________________________

FILLED EXAMPLE — HYPOTHETICAL
Task: Prepare a customer order for collection
Owner: Shop manager
Scope: Orders collected in store during opening hours
Before you begin: Order record, packing list, packaging
1. Find the order in the order record.
2. Compare each item and quantity against the packing list.
3. Record missing or damaged items and ask the manager how to proceed.
4. Pack the complete order and attach its order reference.
5. Mark the order ready for collection in the order record.
Completion check: Packed items match the order, and the record is updated.
Review trigger: A change in the ordering or packing process.

More practical resources: TopBizGuides → Tools & Templates.
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