Procedure vs. Work Instructions

Attribute	Procedure	Work Instructions
Scope	Generally broader in scope	More specific and detailed
Level of Detail	May be less detailed	Usually more detailed
Purpose	Guides overall process	Provides step-by-step instructions
Format	May be more flexible	Usually follows a specific format
Frequency of Use	May be used less frequently	Used more frequently in daily operations

Definition

Procedure and work instructions are both important documents used in organizations to guide employees on how to perform tasks. Procedures are step-by-step guides that outline the specific steps to be taken to complete a task or process. They are often more general in nature and provide an overview of the entire process. Work instructions, on the other hand, are more detailed and specific. They provide a more granular level of detail on how to perform a particular task, including specific tools, materials, and methods to be used.

Scope

Procedures typically cover broader processes or tasks that involve multiple steps and may involve multiple departments or individuals. They are often used to ensure consistency and standardization across the organization. Work instructions, on the other hand, are more focused on specific tasks or activities within a larger process. They are used to provide detailed guidance to employees on how to perform a particular task correctly and efficiently.

Level of Detail

Procedures are generally less detailed than work instructions. They provide a high-level overview of the steps involved in a process, without getting into the specifics of how each step should be performed. Work instructions, on the other hand, are much more detailed and specific. They provide step-by-step guidance on how to perform each task within a process, including specific instructions on tools, materials, and methods to be used.

Flexibility

Procedures are often more flexible than work instructions. They provide a general framework for how a process should be carried out, allowing for some variation in how individual steps are performed. Work instructions, on the other hand, are more rigid and specific. They are designed to ensure that tasks are performed in a consistent and standardized manner, leaving little room for interpretation or variation.

Use Cases

Procedures are typically used for processes that are carried out on a regular basis and involve multiple steps or departments. They are useful for documenting and standardizing common processes within an organization. Work instructions, on the other hand, are used for tasks that are more complex or require a higher level of detail. They are often used for tasks that are performed infrequently or by a specific group of employees.

Training

Procedures are often used as training tools for new employees or as a reference guide for existing employees. They provide a high-level overview of how a process should be carried out, allowing employees to understand the overall workflow. Work instructions, on the other hand, are used as detailed training guides for specific tasks. They provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform each task correctly, ensuring that employees have the necessary guidance to complete the task accurately.

Documentation

Procedures are typically documented at a higher level than work instructions. They are often written in a more general format, outlining the overall steps involved in a process. Work instructions, on the other hand, are more detailed and specific. They are often written in a step-by-step format, providing detailed instructions on how to perform each task within a process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, procedures and work instructions are both important documents used in organizations to guide employees on how to perform tasks. While procedures provide a high-level overview of a process, work instructions offer detailed guidance on how to perform specific tasks within that process. Both documents play a crucial role in ensuring consistency, standardization, and efficiency within an organization.