SOP versus work instruction

Answer:
Different countries, different traditions. For example, some countries use the word registration and others use the word certification for the same thing.

So, one can say that SOP and work instruction are different designations for the same thing. Basically, a SOP or work instruction answer to the question: how do we do it? The focus is in the how, a detailed description of the sequence of activities. That is why I like to use pictures with signs to convey the message.

Procedure and SOP are not necessarily the same thing. Procedures can be at a more abstract level than a SOP. A procedure answer to several questions: Why do we do it? What do we do? When do we do it? Who does what? Without going into much detail about the “how”.

The following material will provide you information about documentation structure:
- ISO 9001 – How to structure quality management system documentation - https://advisera.com/9001academy/knowledgebase/how-to-structure-quality-management-system-documentation/
- How to structure work instructions in the ISO 9001 QMS - https://advisera.com/9001academy/blog/2015/06/16/how-to-structure-work-instructions-in-the-iso-9001-qms/
- Free course – ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor Course - https://advisera.com/training/iso-9001-internal-auditor-course/
· - book - Managing ISO Documentation: A Plain English Guide - https://advisera.com/books/managing-iso-documentation-plain-english-guide/