standard operating procedure
Official routine steps
Standard operating procedure is a set of step-by-step instructions for routine tasks, especially in institutional or military contexts.
Often abbreviated SOP.
The phrase extends to any habitual way of doing things: Checking references is standard operating procedure before hiring.
What's SOP in one organization may be unheard of in another.
- modus operandiCharacteristic way of working
- by the bookFollowing established procedures exactly
- lockstepRigid synchronized movement
- checklistItemized verification guide
- standing orderPreset recurring transaction
contingency plan · guideline · due diligence · flowchart · protocol · audit trail · quality assurance · occupational hazard · risk assessment · workflow · hazard · recordkeeping · template · critical path method · paper trail · single point of failure · compliance · red tape
- learning materialstextbook, workbook, handbook, manual, guide
- ruleslaw, rule, guideline, bylaw, norm
- proceduressurgery, autopsy, policies, SOP, SOPs
- technical documentstechnical manuals, blueprint, technical reports, service manual, specifications
- official documentsbirth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, passport, driver's license
standard operating procedureimprovisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
winging it · playing it by ear · freestyling · extemporization · ad-lib
standard operating procedureexception
Deviation from standard
special case · anomaly · one-off · edge case · emergency protocol
standard operating proceduregoing rogue
Acting independently, against authority
deviation · rule-breaking · nonconformity · unauthorized action · exception
standard, operate, procedure, standards, standardize, standardized, standardization, standardizing, nonstandard