Work instructions vs. SOPs vs. standard work — what’s the difference?
An SOP defines what to do and why at the process level. A work instruction is the detailed, step-by-step how for a specific task. Standard work is the current best, agreed method — takt, sequence and standard WIP — used in lean to stabilize a process. They’re layers that work together, not competitors.
The three, side by side
| SOP | Work instruction | Standard work | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answers | What & why | How (step by step) | Current best method |
| Scope | A process | A specific task | A workstation / cell |
| Owner | Process / quality | Engineering / line lead | Lean / CI + operators |
| Contains | Policy, steps, roles | Detailed steps, visuals | Takt, sequence, WIP |
How they fit together
Think of them as nesting: the SOP sets the rules for a process, work instructions detail each task inside it, and standard work captures the agreed, optimized way that task is performed today. Improve standard work and you update the work instruction; change policy and you update the SOP.
How Praxie handles all three
Praxie manages SOPs, work instructions and standard work in one controlled system — so a change flows to the right layer with version control and approvals, and operators always see the current method.
See what AI-powered work instructions could look like on your floor.
We’ll build you an AI-powered micro-pilot at no cost $0