What is a work instruction?
Also called: job aid, task instruction
Last updated
A work instruction is a detailed, step-by-step description of how to carry out one specific task, written for the person doing it at the point where the work happens. It sits below a standard operating procedure: the SOP says what is done and by whom, the work instruction shows exactly how.
In more detail
Work instructions are common in manufacturing, laboratories, warehouses and anywhere a task must be done precisely the same way every time. They are often visual, with photos or diagrams of each step, the tools and settings to use, the quality checks and the safety warnings.
Quality management systems usually have three layers of documents: policies, procedures and work instructions. Each work instruction should name the procedure it supports, have an owner and a version number, and be reviewed when the equipment or method changes.
Example
A packing station’s work instruction shows, with a photo for each step, how to fold the box, where the insert goes, which tape to use, how to weigh the parcel and the weight range that passes. If the weight is outside the range, the packer sets the parcel aside for checking.
Work instructions in CheckFlow
In CheckFlow each step of a work instruction can carry its instructions as text, with images and videos added in the template designer, and the fields to record readings. Conditional logic shows the extra steps when a check fails, and every save of the template is a new version.
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