sop-structure

SOP Structure

Well-structured SOPs follow consistent patterns that make them easy to understand, maintain, and execute. This skill covers the anatomy of effective SOPs and how to organize sections.

Key Concepts

Standard SOP Anatomy

Every SOP should include these core sections:

1. Title: Clear, action-oriented description
2. Overview: Brief summary of purpose and use cases
3. Parameters: Configurable inputs for reusability
4. Prerequisites: Required tools, knowledge, or setup
5. Steps: Sequential instructions for execution
6. Success Criteria: How to verify completion
7. Error Handling: What to do when things go wrong
8. Related SOPs: Links to related workflows

File Naming Convention

SOP files MUST use the .sop.md extension:

✅ deployment-checklist.sop.md
✅ code-review-security.sop.md
✅ database-migration.sop.md

❌ deployment.md (missing .sop)
❌ checklist.sop.txt (wrong file type)
❌ SOP-Deployment.md (incorrect format)

Mindset

An SOP is executed by someone who was not in the room when it was written. Optimise for unambiguous, repeatable execution: every step one concrete action, every prerequisite stated up front. Know when not to write an SOP: a one-off task nobody will repeat does not need one.

When to Use This Skill

Use when writing or restructuring a Standard Operating Procedure, or when a procedure is being followed inconsistently and needs a repeatable structure.

Best Practices

Title Section

# {Action Verb} {Specific Outcome}

Short form: Use kebab-case filename
Long form: Use Title Case heading

Examples:

# Generate API Documentation

# Implement Feature Using TDD

# Review Pull Request for Security

Overview Section

The overview should answer three questions:

1. What: What does this SOP accomplish?
2. When: When should you use this SOP?
3. Why: Why use this approach?

## Overview

This SOP guides you through implementing new features using Test-Driven
Development (TDD). Use this when adding functionality that requires high
confidence in correctness. TDD ensures comprehensive test coverage and
reduces regression risk.