Standard operating procedures and standardized work

Learning objectives

• Explain the purpose of standard operating procedures and standardized work in a garment-factory improvement project.
• Apply the described method to a representative shop-floor situation.
• Recognize the common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Concept

SOPs define controlled requirements; standardized work defines the safest repeatable sequence, time, WIP, and key points at the workplace.

Use plain steps, factory-made visuals, safety/quality key points, parameters, tools, exceptions, revision, approval, and training verification.

A standard is the baseline for learning, not a substitute for thinking.

Garment-factory example

A collar-setting standard shows sequence, folder setting, first-piece check, defect examples, pitch, WIP, and abnormal response, posted at the workstation.

Method

1. Observe best current method.
2. Co-design with operators.
3. Trial.
4. Time and check quality.
5. Approve.
6. Post at point of use.
7. Audit and improve.

Common mistakes

• Writing office-only procedures no operator uses.
• Treating standardized work as permanent and untouchable.