LEAN TOOL: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Standard operating procedure is a set of step by step procedure to compiled by set of people to help the worker or operator to perform a task in a uniform manner . Main purpose of standard operating procedure is to reduce the miscommunication and to improve the efficiency of a working environment

Essential need for standard operating procedure

• It provide consistency

Having a standard operating procedure in place it ensures that regardless of who is working, the process it will complete with right amount of precision.

• It improve communication

Standard operating procedure will help the operator to work in an effective and easy manner he doesn't want to remember all the working instructions of the machine. It improve communication between machine and operator

• It saves time and cost

Without standard operating procedure the task may complete in many different ways sometimes it consumes more time and more money but with help of standard operating procedure we can control the standard of performing the task and reduce the cost and time

• It create a safe work place to work

When the employee performing the task in a different and in efficient manner sometimes it may not be safe to work but with the help of standard operating procedure we can create a safe and effective way of performing the task

Steps in creating Standard Operating Procedure

• Study the process completely

Completely study the process including process parameter, inspection system, working procedure, operator motion between the machines.

• Monitor  the current  working procedure

In this study the method of current working procedure of a process and noted down  

  

• Talk with employees for improvement

Discuss with operators, supervisor, manager for the improvement and standardization of working procedure

• Write and review the standard

Write the new operating standard and a reputed standard with the concerned department manager and supervisor and do the needful with their guidelines

• Maintain and frame the standard

Once the standard operating procedure of a particular process is framed educate the same with the operator and monitor whether the standard operating procedure is ok or it need further improvement

Example of standard operation procedure

The below picture shows the standard operating procedure for mounting a grinding wheels (dos and don’ts)