What is the Difference Between Procedure and Work Instruction?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between a procedure and a work instruction lies in their level of detail and their purpose within an organization. Here are the key distinctions between the two:
- Procedure: A procedure provides a more specific description of how a process needs to be carried out. It includes details such as responsibilities, specific tools, methods, and measurements. Procedures offer a standardized approach that employees can follow in various situations.
- Work Instruction: A work instruction is a step-by-step guideline to implement the process and procedure. It explains how to carry out the procedure in a detailed and precise manner, often focusing on specific tasks referenced in the procedure. Work instructions are often used to clarify and expand on elements of a procedure, making it easier for employees to understand and perform their tasks.
In summary, a procedure outlines the specifics of how a process needs to be executed, while a work instruction provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to carry out the procedure. Both are essential components of an organization's documentation process, ensuring consistency and understanding among employees.
Comparative Table: Procedure vs Work Instruction
Here is a table comparing the differences between procedures and work instructions:
| Feature | Procedure | Work Instruction |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A particular set of ways to carry out a process. | A detailed description of how to perform a process in steps. |
| Purpose | Documents the way a process should be performed. | Provides step-by-step guidance for specific tasks. |
| Content | Contains specifics such as responsibilities, specific tools, methods, and measurements. | Contains detailed steps, often with additional information like purpose, definitions, responsibilities, requirements, tools, and information. |
| Level of Details | More general and less detailed than work instructions. | More detailed than procedures, focusing on individual steps and requirements. |
| Relationship | A procedure may encompass multiple related work instructions. | Work instructions are derived from and related to procedures. |
| Use | Procedures maintain consistency across multiple processes. | Work instructions help reduce mistakes and improve training. |
| Example | A sales process procedure would outline the essential steps in the process. | A work instruction for the sales process would include every tiny detail that makes up those steps, such as who is responsible for each step and any other background information. |
In summary, procedures provide a high-level overview of how a process should be performed, while work instructions offer a detailed, step-by-step guide for specific tasks within the process. Both are essential for maintaining consistency, reducing errors, and improving training within an organization.
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