Icologiq Knowledge · Document type
Standard Operating Procedure
A controlled document describing the approved steps, responsibilities and requirements for performing a recurring activity consistently.
SOP
Also known as:
Standard Operating Procedures, procedure
At a glance
Type
Document type
Topic
Document Control
Applies to
Cross-industry
Current version
Status
Last reviewed
September 14, 2026
Definition
A Standard Operating Procedure describes how a defined activity should be carried out in a consistent and controlled manner. In quality, safety and regulated environments, SOPs are commonly subject to document control, approval, revision and training or acknowledgement requirements.
Why it matters
SOP is an accessible cross-industry term that connects sector requirements with document control and competence management. It is likely to appear throughout industry, module and blog content.
A document whose creation, approval, revision, distribution and withdrawal are managed through defined controls to ensure authorized and current information is used.
Controlled Document
Concept
· Document Control
The process of ensuring that approved documents are current, traceable, accessible to the right people and protected against uncontrolled change or use.
Document Control
Process
· Document Control
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Related knowledge
Explore related standards, processes and quality-management concepts.
DOC-004
A controlled document describing the approved steps, responsibilities and requirements for performing a recurring activity consistently.
A Standard Operating Procedure describes how a defined activity should be carried out in a consistent and controlled manner. In quality, safety and regulated environments, SOPs are commonly subject to document control, approval, revision and training or acknowledgement requirements.