What is a manufacturing SOP?
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.
This article features: 1) consequences of noncompliance with manufacturing SOPs; 2) mobile app to help perform manufacturing SOP inspections;
3) manufacturing SOP Templates you can download, use, and customize
Click here to download your free manufacturing SOP Templates
Consequences of Noncompliance With Manufacturing SOPs
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:
1. Lack of quality control
Manufacturing SOPs help produce high-quality products consistently. Failure to comply with manufacturing SOPs may result in inconsistent quality outcomes and unsatisfied clients.
2. Low productivity
Manufacturing SOPs are designed to improve efficiency. Noncompliance makes it difficult to achieve maximum productivity since operational time frames will vary for each worker.
3. Subjective performance evaluations
SOPs clearly define worker tasks and responsibilities. Objective performance evaluations are done by measuring actual performance against the standard set by manufacturing SOPs. If management and workers don’t follow the same standard, expectations become unclear and evaluations may be influenced by personal biases.
4. Communication breakdown
SOPs communicate process updates to workers. If workers fail to comply with SOPs, they risk making errors that could compromise the quality and efficiency of their work.
5. Increased risk of accidents
Safe work practices are often integrated into manufacturing SOPs. Noncompliance may put workers at a higher risk of work-related accidents or injuries.
Mobile App for Conducting Manufacturing SOP Inspections
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:
✔ Generate on-site reports
✔ Take photos of equipment, appliances, and areas for evidence
✔ Indicate corrective measures and set priority and due date
✔ Save reports online and keep them safe in the cloud
