---
type: method
slug: sop-writing
title: "Write a standard operating procedure (SOP)"
category: "Operations, Supply Chain & Manufacturing"
subcategory: "Process & SOPs"
level: starter
source: https://deepstoryresearch.com/method/sop-writing
publisher: Deepstory Research
---

> **How to use this file:** attach it to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot (or paste the prompt section), replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, and add any data or Deepstory evidence files the method needs.

## When to use this method
- A task is done differently by everyone.
- Onboarding staff or passing audits.

## Prompt

# 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.

## Evidence you can attach
- Shipping Chokepoints: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/shipping-chokepoints (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/shipping-chokepoints.md)
- Global Food Prices: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/food-price-index (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/food-price-index.md)
- Battery Pack Prices: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/battery-pack-prices (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/battery-pack-prices.md)

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