Procedures vs SOPs: What's the Difference (and Why It Matters on Your Intranet)
By SimplifyIT | Published
Are SOPs and Procedures the Same?
Not quite. Most staff use the terms interchangeably - and that's fine in casual use. But for compliance and internal consistency, it's worth understanding the difference between a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and a broader procedure.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
SOPs are step-by-step instructions for carrying out a specific task or function. They're often used in high-risk, repetitive, or regulated workflows (think: cash drawer balancing, wire transfer handling, or loan processing steps).
Procedures
Procedures are broader. They may describe a full policy, provide guidance, or outline how a process works across teams. Where an SOP might list the exact steps to close out a teller drawer, a procedure might explain the overall cash-handling framework and responsibilities.
Why the Difference Matters
- Staff need to know when to follow exact steps vs. exercise judgment
- Compliance teams need clarity on what's mandatory vs. interpretive
- Examiners often ask for both - and expect them to be clearly labeled
How SimplifyIT Helps
With SimplifyIT, you can clearly label, organize, and track both SOPs and procedures in your intranet. Staff can search for "teller SOP" or "cash procedure" and instantly get the right, most recent version - with audit trails and version history built in.
One Place for All Your Operational Knowledge
Whether you call it a policy, procedure, SOP, or playbook - it needs to be findable, trusted, and consistent. Watch a short demo or book a live walkthrough to see how SimplifyIT can help you build that foundation.