Documented procedures may make reference to work instructions that define how an activity is performed Documented procedures generally describe activities that cross different functions. while work instructions generally apply to tasks within one function. | work instructions: detailed descriptions of how to perform and record tasks NOTE 1 Work instructions may be documented or not. The work instructions may be included in the documented procedures or referenced in them. | 《Guidelines for quality management system documentation》 ISO/TR10013 |
1. SOPs are in charge of the ‘what,’ ‘who,’ and ‘when,’ work instructions answer the ‘how’ in a procedure. 2. Work instructions are more applicable for supporting the day-to-day operations of a business while SOPs make processes more systematic from a management standpoint. |