Top 15 Standard Work Instruction Examples

Have you been on the fence about integrating work instruction software into your operation? Or are you looking for new areas to go digital? Examples of standard work instructions help you understand the capabilities of the software while also bringing to light the variety of ways it can benefit your unique business.

No matter the process, we should remember one thing: a process is a process.

What I mean by this is that any process can benefit from digital standardization, dynamic interaction, and intelligent activities. Whether it be for assembly work, field service, or training the next generation of carpenters, standard work instructions benefit everyone.

With this in mind, let’s explore the top 15 standard work instruction examples with VKS. We’ll go through the reasons for using these guidebooks along with some helpful key takeaways and links to more in-depth discussions.

Let’s dive in!

1. Assembly Instructions
2. Troubleshooting
3. Machine Set-Up & Changeover
4. Workforce Training
5. Lockout/Tagout
6. Gemba Walk
7. Packaging
8. In-Line Quality Inspection
9. Preventative Maintenance
10. Health & Safety
11. Final Inspection
12. Cleaning Procedures & Validation
13. Incoming Inspection
14. Process & Environmental Audits
15. Fabrication Procedures

Standard Work Instruction Example 1: Assembly Instructions

Assembly instructions can be fairly straightforward. The process is laid out in a linear step-by-step sequence and operators understand what they need to do from start to finish.

Companies leverage VKS to give their workers visual and interactive work instructions that guide employees through the major and minor production steps. Both within production lines and single-cell workstations, VKS assembly instructions ensure that workers are performing the right actions at the right time with the right knowledge.

On top of that, while operators are assembling their components, they are also able to interact with Smart Forms that help collect valuable production data.

Standard Work Instruction Example 2: Troubleshooting

For procedures that need to be responsive to multiple conditions, troubleshooting guidebooks provide instructions that are dynamic to the situation at hand. When processes follow a less linear format and need to change based on customer requirements, your operators are never left without the instructions they need.

VKS troubleshooting guidebooks use a powerful rule engine to change the instructions based on operator input. This means that both experienced and inexperienced employees solve complex problems and build intelligently with speed and confidence.

Standard Work Instruction Example 3: Machine Set-Up & Changeover

Modern machines are becoming incredibly complex. Adding to this, high turnover rates and the growing skills gap are leaving modern workers without the proper machine setup and changeover skills. Industries need employees that quickly act with experience.

But if they don’t have years of experience, how can this be done?

With standardized machine setup procedures that are created around the best practices of your company, you give your workers the required experience from day one of their careers. Integrate knowledge into your entire operation with well-laid out plans that workers follow with confidence. Every operator is given precise instructions and process variations are practically eliminated.

Standard Work Instruction Example 4: Workforce Training

When introducing new hires into the manufacturing environment, it is important to give them access to as much information as possible. Whether orienting workers in a classroom setting or performing on-the-job training, standard work instructions enable companies to easily pass on knowledge to the next generation of employees.

VKS enables manufacturers to create dynamic training guidebooks that fit the needs of evolving workforces. Add links to additional information so that even new operators always have access to key context and knowledge.

With VKS, no operator is left without direction!

Standard Work Instruction Example 5: Lockout/Tagout

Lockout/Tagout procedures are an essential safety practice. Every team member depends on them being followed carefully and intelligently. When a machine or vehicle is locked out, several ignition/start-up points need to be disabled. If one point is missed, or if the tags are hidden, accidents are sure to happen.

With standard work instructions, make safety a key priority. VKS enables companies to create well-defined Lockout/Tagout procedures based on specific equipment requirements. This means that whenever an employee performs this process, you and your team can rest assured that the process was performed correctly.

Standard Work Instruction Example 6: Gemba Walk

Gemba walks are an extremely effective method to gain insight into how processes are carried out within your operation. This is a time to talk, listen and gather as much information as possible. But how will you store the information you are acquiring?

Leverage the capabilities of VKS to supercharge your Gemba walks with intelligent digital methods. Create a standard plan that you and your team can follow and never miss any key observation points. Then write notes, take pictures, and send valuable information directly within your VKS Gemba guidebook.

Standard Work Instruction Example 7: Packaging

Packaging your products is just as important as the products themselves. If your products are packaged improperly or are mislabeled, they could be damaged, misdelivered, or even lost. There should never be any guesswork when it comes to preparing your products for delivery.

Ensure proper packaging every time with detailed and focused packaging instructions. Assembly operators and packaging departments use checklists and step-by-step procedures to guarantee consistent deliveries!

Did you know that Smith Induspac uses our work instruction software to standardize their packaging operation? From a wide variety of packaging needs, they deliver consistency and quality with every box delivered.

Standard Work Instruction Example 8: In-Line Quality Inspection

Even within automated production environments, regular inspections are key to maintaining a smooth operation. Often, workers will observe the production line and make adjustments based on current conditions.

This may not sound like a process that can be standardized, but I assure you it very much is.

With digital work instructions, set up timed actions that prompt users to check key systems, inspect quality, and collect data. While the production line is operating, workers use in-line quality inspection guidebooks to ensure quality is secured every step of the way.

Standard Work Instruction Example 9: Preventative Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is key to extending the life of your machines and decreasing machine downtime. But maintenance actions need to be done correctly. Otherwise, these actions could do more harm than good.

VKS preventive maintenance guidebooks provide operators with comprehensive and dynamic maintenance instructions. Like troubleshooting guidebooks, the instructions use an advanced rule engine that gives operators the proper instructions based on the situation at hand.

This means that more employees are empowered to carry out maintenance activities while also decreasing the effect of maintenance and downtime.

Standard Work Instruction Example 10: Health & Safety

People are your most valuable resource. VKS Health and Safety guidebooks inform workers of proper health and safety practices while also making them aware of potential risks.

Place helpful reminders like PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) pictograms and ergonomic reminders within process instructions. And provide key standard work instruction examples for employees to review periodically.

Additionally, track safety/training qualifications to make sure that only qualified employees perform certain jobs.

With health and safety guidebooks that identify hazards and the correct safety actions, employees never miss key safety information. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way in keeping your employees healthy and secure.

Standard Work Instruction Example 11: Final Inspection

Final inspections are your last point of contact with your products. So they need to be performed to exact standards.

The quality of your products is only as good as your quality inspections.

Take your final quality inspections to the next level with final inspection guidebooks. Provide workers with a thorough and systematic set of inspection points and instructions. This creates an inspection process that never misses key points.

With each inspection point, workers are collecting valuable data that can be used for quality assurance for the customer. Additionally, this data enables you to optimize production through pass/fail analysis while tracking consistency over time.

Standard Work Instruction Example 12: Cleaning Procedures & Validation

Within pharmaceutical and food service environments, having the proper cleaning procedures in place is the number one method to prevent product contamination. Clear sequential cleaning instructions enable workers to never miss any substance or residue.

Use VKS to create step-by-step cleaning protocols that ensure cleaning is performed to exact standards every time. Use this information to also validate which pieces of equipment were cleaned and when.

Standard Work Instruction Example 13: Incoming Inspection

As materials and parts enter your facility from external sources, you need to make sure that their quality meets your standards. By using visual work instructions and incoming inspection guidebooks, you can keep sub-par pieces at bay and decrease the rate of defects and re-work.

It’s vital that you catch inconsistencies and defects before they get to the shop floor.

Standard Work Instruction Example 14: Process & Environmental Audits

Auditing is a key practice that enables companies to validate and guarantee compliance with internal and industry standards such as ISO 9001 and 14001.

Use VKS to standardize your auditing activities with interactive and intelligent checklists. Create a systematic review of any process by taking notes, pictures, and videos directly within VKS. Then share your observations with your team to implement improvements.

Standard Work Instruction Example 15: Fabrication Procedures

There is a lot that goes into taking raw materials and fabricating distinct components. From welding and deburring to grinding and testing, fabrication processes can be complex, to say the least.

Make sure that every process is performed correctly with digital work instructions. Keep track of complex processes while giving operators in-depth instructions that remove the guesswork.

For processes that require hands-free interaction with work instructions, such as welding and grinding, create timed steps that automatically advance to the next step without direct operator engagement.

Limitless Possibilities

There are many more standard work instruction examples that we could list but with an endless amount of possibilities, you may never finish reading this article. So I’ll leave you with one final thought.

Any process can benefit from standardization, and standardization is enhanced by going digital.

If you’d like more information or want to take a deeper dive into how work instruction software can benefit your unique operation, book a demo today! Taking control of your operation is only a click away.