What is work instruction manual

If you find these documents slightly confusing, this tutorial will help explain the difference. Here are some definitions from the web. Work Instruction ITILv3 : A detailed set of instructions that describe exactly how a low-level activity must be carried out. For example, describing precisely how a Request For Change record is created in the Change Management software support tool.

Another way to look at this is to consider all procedure documents, from SOPs to Work Instructions, as part of a pyramid. This simple statement implies that the purpose of the work instruction is quality and that the target user is the worker. Factories have encumbered work instructions with content that has been added to satisfy auditors, lawyers, engineers, accountants and yes, even quality managers.

This will ensure your work instruction is well received. Here at Gluu, we believe in writing work instructions within an integrated system to manage business processes. Did you find this useful? Guide to employee onboarding. The interesting history of Training within Industry. Start day free trial. Ready for the digital ways of working? Take a Digital Maturity Assessment. Toggle navigation. Further reading Guide to employee onboarding The interesting history of Training within Industry.

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Non-necessary Non-necessary. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Go to mobile version. Determine all high-level procedures, policies, and dependencies that govern the task or job for which you are creating instructions.

Avoid complex words and sentences, unnecessary jargon, acronyms, and technical terms, while also keeping the language consistent. Keep the document as short and concise as possible, make sure all data and information is helpful and accurate, and organize all steps logically.

Include visuals or images when appropriate to make the document engaging, and to complement the written portions of the instructions. Work instructions and standard operating procedures SOPs , also known as job aids and user manuals, are important tools leveraged in a workplace, as they both help to describe a process in detail and provide instruction on the best way to carry out a procedure.

Both are considered more detailed than a procedure and provide instruction on the specifics of a work process. However, they differ in terms of what exactly they describe. Simply put, SOPs help describe what should be done, by whom, and in what time frame. SOPs describe everything that you should do in a certain situation or as you carry out a certain work process. Conversely, a work instruction describes how a process should be completed, documenting how each individual step should be performed in an effort to streamline the overall operation.

Work instructions support each of the procedures that are outlined by an SOP, and usually, there is a work instruction that complements every SOP or procedure. In the long run, a work instruction can also save time for a business by establishing and documenting the most efficient way of completing a process. All in all, the investment in time to create a work instruction for a process will be paid back once it has been circulated throughout the company and used by many employees.

As you put together your own document, refer to these resources to gain further information on how to write a work instruction, why a work instruction is important, and how a well-written work instruction can positively impact your business.

Additionally, reference samples in order to create the most comprehensive work instruction for your business needs. Empower your people to go above and beyond with a flexible platform designed to match the needs of your team — and adapt as those needs change. The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done.

Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed.

Try Smartsheet for free, today. In This Article. Project Work Instruction Template. See how Smartsheet can help you be more effective. Construction Work Instruction Template. Work Instruction Template. Safety Work Instruction Template. Manufacturing Work Instruction Template. Assembly Work Instruction Template. Structure and clarity are key in instructions. Instructional design experts agree that a combination of minimalism and structure are the key to: Productivity Understanding Learning Users need instructions that are action-oriented and minimalist, but also instructions that follow a particular structure.

The Multipacker OCME work instruction consists of a number of separate instructions, demonstrated above, including: Prepare the Machine Prepare divider Safety first These instructions each contain a certain number of steps, designed to describe individual discrete actions.

For the highest level of learnability and clarity, the tasks should be described in active present tense install, press, click, follow. Avoid long wordy sentences and we recommend breaking down tasks into two or more sub-tasks when the user needs to perform several actions. A maximum of steps is recommended for your instructions to be effective. When you want users to memorize a task, limit the information to a maximum of steps.

Additional information about a particular step can be indicated with four icons - based on the theory of information mapping: 1. Warning: Alert operators to potential safety hazards and error-prone tasks.

Tip: Provide a more detailed description with extra information on how to perform the step. Alternative route: An alternative way to perform the same task with the same result.

Fixes: Errors happen. Follow these simple steps when creating digital work instructions: Structure your work instructions in a clear, step-by-step instruction hierarchy guide - topic - instruction - step. Use an active tone of voice when writing instructions. Keep it short and to the point.

Use a clear visual to illustrate the step. Split up a task in several different sub-tasks. Separate all additional information in icons warnings - tips - alternative routes - error fixes.