Standard Operating Procedures
The SOP is a regulatory standard. It tells operators: who does what when. We have all seen the traditional, simple outline format SOP. See some examples of alternative format types that can be used.
Tabular SOP Format
This SOP format is inspired by Information Mapping concepts. Text is organized in a two column table instead of a traditional outline format. Section headers are included on a left column. Text within a section may be organized into tables, bullets, or paragraphs depending on the content.
Process Step Tracker
This format feature can be used in a standard outline format or in a tabular style format. Summarize the full process into 3-6 high level sequential steps. At each section header include the flow chart highlighting the step that is described in the following paragraph.
*For any pizza fans, this is clearly inspired by the DOMINO'S TRACKER®.
Contrast Heading Styles
Even with list format, section headers can be differentiated by styles to improve scanability.