A Quick Guide On Standard Operating Procedures For Tech Startups
One of the harder lessons for owners of tech startups is to create a series of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their business. While creating a standard operating procedures document may feel like an arduous activity, this isn’t the case
The benefits of creating SOPs can help you standardize the day-to-day functions which can be carried out by people you’ve hired so you can focus on the bigger picture.
Establishing standard operating procedures not only helps in the future but can have immediate effects on improving your tech business. You can even consider including SOPs as part of your business plan for better clarity and a stronger framework.
Building your tech startup from the ground up while simultaneously fueling creativity and innovation can be a tall chaotic order. Not just that, you are at the risk of making elementary errors.
By establishing standard operating procedures, people can start doing things without having to be nudged or without the need for founders to micro-managing every task.
What Are Standard Operating Procedures?
Standard operating procedures are guidelines in the form of documented processes that a company creates to ensure consistency across its functions.
By creating standard operating procedures for specific functions within your startup you are teaching your employees how to conduct the tasks they’re expected to without leaving any room for error.
Why Does Your Tech Startup Need Standard Operating Procedures?
- Standard operating procedures help in creating a more structured organization and they help to improve overall productivity.
- SOPs also help in disseminating the values and crucial information required to perform daily tasks to all employees — existing and new.
- Quality control is another positive outcome of creating and implementing SOPs while ensuring that tasks are completed within the stipulated timelines.
- SOPs are important documents from the standpoint of audits that you would (or should) subject your business through from time to time.
- With the help of standard operating procedures, your time can be used effectively, and tasks performed more efficiently.
What Are The Essential Components Of Creating An SOP?
Standard operating procedures should clearly define the purpose for which they are created.
Along with that, the SOPs should mention the users of the said SOP, definitions of terms within the SOP, and finally the procedure in the form of step-by-step instructions.
The document should be worded such that it is legible to a layman and specify the date on which it was created/ last updated to follow version control.
1. Define The Process
Recognize the functions within your tech startup that need standard operating procedures and create an in-depth list of tasks that can be standardized.
You can shortlist the ones that have a strict protocol about the steps to be followed such as Finance, HR, Legal, etc.
For example, a product manager would need to know the process of launching a new product and the steps that are taken before and after the launch.
2. Choose The Right Format
The main agenda while choosing a suitable format is to make sure that the SOPs are easy to understand. The usual formats followed for SOPs include step-by-step documents, workflow diagrams, organizational charts, instructions, checklists …
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Originally published at https://get.tech on November 4, 2019.
