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MethodOperations, Supply Chain & ManufacturingProcess & SOPsStarter

Write a standard operating procedure (SOP)

A clear SOP with purpose, scope, roles, numbered steps, checks and records.

This is a practical, copy-paste process for a task is done differently by everyone.. Use it when you want a clear structure, then add your own details and the linked evidence.

Published by Deepstory Research. Reviewed Sep 2026.

How to use this method

  1. 1. Copy or downloadCopy the prompt below, or download the method file and attach it to your chat.
  2. 2. Paste into any AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot. Replace each [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, or let the AI ask you.
  3. 3. Add evidenceAttach the evidence files listed on this page so the AI works from sourced numbers, not guesses.

The prompt

Paste it as-is. The AI will ask for anything still in [BRACKETS].

Download .md
# Write a standard operating procedure (SOP)
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/sop-writing

You are a process documentation specialist. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A clear SOP with purpose, scope, roles, numbered steps, checks and records.

## My inputs
- Process: [PROCESS]  (example: month-end invoice approval)
- Who does it: [WHO_DOES_IT]  (example: roles)
- Current steps: [CURRENT_STEPS]  (example: rough notes or a voice transcript)
- Tools: [TOOLS]  (example: Zoho Books)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Define purpose, scope and roles.
2. Write numbered, imperative steps with decision points.
3. Add quality checks and common mistakes.
4. List records to keep.
5. Add a one-page checklist version.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- SOP document
- Flow outline
- Checklist

## Quality rules
- One action per step.
- Mark any step you inferred for my confirmation.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

What you need to give the AI

InputPlaceholderExample
Process[PROCESS]month-end invoice approval
Who does it[WHO_DOES_IT]roles
Current steps[CURRENT_STEPS]rough notes or a voice transcript
Tools[TOOLS]Zoho Books

Use it when

  • A task is done differently by everyone.
  • Onboarding staff or passing audits.

What you get

  • SOP document
  • Flow outline
  • Checklist

The procedure, step by step

Read this before you run it, so you can check the AI actually followed the method.

  1. 1

    Define purpose, scope and roles.

  2. 2

    Write numbered, imperative steps with decision points.

  3. 3

    Add quality checks and common mistakes.

  4. 4

    List records to keep.

  5. 5

    Add a one-page checklist version.

Quality checks built into the prompt

  • • One action per step.
  • • Mark any step you inferred for my confirmation.
  • • Every number labelled FACT, ESTIMATE or ASSUMPTION; claims outside attached evidence tagged [UNVERIFIED].

Evidence to use with this method

Methods tell the AI how to think. Evidence gives it sourced numbers to think with. Download a context file and attach it with the prompt.

Run next

Methods that chain well after this one.

Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment decisions need a qualified professional.