How to review an SOP
Review an SOP by checking its steps against real work, exceptions, controls and records, then record whether to reaffirm, revise or retire it. See a worked QueryChart workflow and the checks needed to use it.
Review an SOP by checking its steps against real work, exceptions, controls and records, then record whether to reaffirm, revise or retire it.
The short version
- Gather the trigger and evidence: Use the review date, incidents, system changes and operator feedback to scope the check.
- Walk the work: Compare each step, exception, control and record with a real case and the people who perform it.
- Record the outcome: Reaffirm with a new review date, route a revision for approval, or retire the SOP.
How to review an SOP in practice
A date-only sign-off is weak evidence. A reviewer should walk a recent case with an operator and check the safety-critical steps, decision thresholds, systems and forms that the SOP names.
Open a review by schedule or event, collect feedback and incidents, compare each instruction with practice, resolve discrepancies, and record the decision. A no-change review can reaffirm the current revision without inventing a new one.
Test an SOP against current work
Follow the review trigger through technical checking and a keep, revise or retire decision.
Gather the trigger and evidence
The authored SOP has an owner, scope, procedure steps and a deviation path to test during review.
Walk the work
Technical review checks accuracy before any changed issue can enter approval.
Record the outcome
The review interval or process-change trigger asks whether the issued SOP is still current as written.
How it works
Gather the trigger and evidence
Use the review date, incidents, system changes and operator feedback to scope the check.
Walk the work
Compare each step, exception, control and record with a real case and the people who perform it.
Record the outcome
Reaffirm with a new review date, route a revision for approval, or retire the SOP.
Mistakes to avoid
Reviewing only the document
Compare the instruction with observed work and current systems rather than proofreading in isolation.
Related QueryChart feature
Open the worked workflow
Adapt the controlled SOP example to your roles and publish one current approved issue.
Frequently asked questions
Does review always change the revision?
No. Record a no-change review and next date without altering the content revision.
Who should participate?
The accountable owner, a subject matter expert and representative operators.
What if work differs from the SOP?
Assess the gap and risk, then revise the instruction or correct the practice through the appropriate change process.