[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” module_class=”fpb0 table_of_content_sec” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” module_class=”fpt0 fpb0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ module_class=”anchor_link_class ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Clear processes are the key to efficient and safe work. A process instruction describes step by step how certain activities are carried out – it is an integral part of the QM manual. <\/p>\n
The process instruction specifies content, responsibilities, risks and technologies, defines standardized processes and helps to avoid errors.<\/p>\n
With the “instructor” , our digital tool for work instructions and worker guidance, such instructions and the relevant information can be easily created, shared and maintained. Processes, products and documents are documented in a comprehensible way – and you benefit from the clear advantages of structured instructions.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”2″ module_id=”sectionscrollid2″ module_class=”checkmrk_list anchor_link_class ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Reliable quality is based on various factors. The procedural instructions are a key pillar for consistently high standards and efficient processes. It defines a binding framework for specific processes, taking into account relevant specifications – and thus ensures that quality targets are achieved.<\/p>\n
But how do companies create comprehensive and compliant procedural instructions? When is such a guideline not only internally binding, but even a legal obligation? To what extent do the sector and company size determine the type and scope of a procedural instruction? <\/p>\n
Whether you are an SME or a global corporation: with tepcon’s expertise and high-performance software support from the tepcon instructor<\/a>, you can create such guideline documents transparently and efficiently.<\/p>\n Let us first look at the definition: instructions are not just instructions, there is sometimes a significant difference here. Depending on the procedures and activities being described, the requirements for such documents vary considerably. Legal requirements also need to be taken into account – more on this later.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Ziele-der-Prozessoptimierung-img.jpg” alt=”Create procedural instructions for clearly defined and efficient processes” module_class=”img__radius” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”2″ module_id=”sectionscrollid2″ module_class=”checkmrk_list anchor_link_class ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A procedural instruction is a binding document that describes exactly how certain processes are to be carried out in the company. The focus is on the clear definition of activities, steps and the necessary sequence to achieve a specified goal. <\/p>\n The process instruction takes into account relevant norms, requirements and operational standards. It is aimed at all employees involved in the execution – for example in production, maintenance or servicing – and ensures that all processes are standardized, traceable and error-free. <\/p>\n In contrast to work instructions<\/a>, which often refer to individual activities or workstations, a procedural instruction defines entire processes – including responsibilities, required data, documents and resources. The contents of a procedural instruction provide clear information for day-to-day work and facilitate the training of new employees as well as the continuous improvement of existing processes. <\/p>\n Particularly in quality control and technical areas, structured documentation ensures that no step is forgotten, errors are avoided and processes are designed efficiently.<\/p>\n With suitable digital solutions<\/a>, you can easily create, share and maintain procedural instructions – based on templates or individually adapted. This ensures that everything is documented in a transparent, comprehensible and customer-oriented manner. <\/p>\n In practice, process instructions are often equated with other forms of process documentation – in particular with standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions or process instructions.<\/p>\n However, despite the similarity in content, it is important to understand the respective role and specific area of application of these documents in order to control quality management processes efficiently. The difference lies not only in the level of detail, but also in the objective, content and type of application. <\/p>\n An SOP is to a certain extent a specialized form of procedural instruction. It describes specific procedures within a higher-level process in a particularly structured and standardized manner. <\/p>\n SOPs are often used in regulated environments – for example in the pharmaceutical industry or medical technology – where consistency of execution and traceability of data are crucial. While a procedural instruction specifies the framework and sequence of an entire procedure, the SOP often goes as far as an exact description of individual steps. <\/p>\n Work instructions, on the other hand, are even more focused on individual activities and workstations. They provide clear instructions for immediate execution, address individual employees or teams and describe, for example, the operation of a machine or the preparation of a product. <\/p>\n The difference to procedural instructions therefore also lies in how specifically and operationally the content is formulated.<\/p>\n Process instructions, on the other hand, often serve as a structured process description at an organizational level. They tend to be strategically oriented, listing responsibilities, interfaces and framework conditions without defining the specific steps of implementation. <\/p>\n All the documents mentioned – whether VA, SOP or work instruction – have one thing in common: they serve to share information, avoid errors and increase the probability of quality-compliant results.<\/p>\n Structured use of all instructions ensures transparency, supports the traceability of decisions and facilitates compliance with standards. Digital software solutions help to manage this content centrally, keep relevant data up to date and maintain the documents in a version-safe manner. This not only improves the quality of products, but also creates clear advantages for collaboration in complex processes.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Common_CTA” module_class=”wissen_cta_section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c333a 0%|#2c333a 52%|#532d3b 75%|#b61f3f 100%” background_image=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/bg-element-3.svg” background_position=”top_center” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ module_class=”vam_a980″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”h2_class white_text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/en\/contact\/” button_text=”Contact us” button_alignment=”right” module_class=”secondary_btn” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”checkmrk_list anchor_link_class” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”12″ module_id=”sectionscrollid16″ module_class=”anchor_link_class mb0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Quality management and procedural instructions go hand in hand. Certain standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 13485 specify a list of necessary process instructions. While highly regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals or healthcare usually have mandatory requirements, structured process guidelines can be used effectively in almost all areas. <\/p>\n Procedural instructions are also often a prerequisite in safety-critical environments such as industry and manufacturing. It is not only large companies that benefit from consistent implementation. Small and medium-sized companies can also increase their transparency, efficiency, quality standards and therefore competitiveness. <\/p>\n ISO 9001 defines internationally recognized requirements for an effective quality management system – and therefore also for the description and documentation of processes. However, the standard does not contain an explicit obligation to create process instructions. Instead, ISO 9001 requires companies to identify all processes relevant to quality, understand their interactions and document them in a suitable form. <\/p>\n Whether this is done via a procedural instruction, a process description or other forms of documentation remains an open question – what is important is the benefit for employees and the traceability of processes.<\/p>\n However, the use of standardized SOPs is common practice, especially in highly regulated industries such as the automotive industry or in services with high safety requirements. They help to communicate information in a structured manner, avoid errors and clearly define the tasks of individual employees. <\/p>\n Well thought-out documentation also creates consistent processes in areas such as maintenance or when using software solutions.<\/p>\n ISO also requires relevant data to be collected, documented and regularly reviewed. Companies often use digital templates or QM tools to manage processes efficiently. The aim is to ensure and improve quality in the long term through targeted information and clear responsibilities.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/tepcon_instructor_tabletanwender2.jpg” alt=”Digital tools for creating and maintaining process instructions” module_class=”img__radius” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”12″ module_id=”sectionscrollid16″ module_class=”anchor_link_class mb0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For a procedural instruction to fulfill its purpose, it must be clearly structured and complete in terms of content. Standardized specifications help to document processes in a comprehensible manner and make implementation clear for all employees. <\/p>\n Procedural instructions should therefore always cover the following aspects.<\/p>\n Once the desired objective, the scope and the responsible persons or departments have been defined, the procedure and the necessary resources can be defined step by step in the actual process description.<\/p>\n Furthermore, the procedural instruction should refer to relevant requirements, laws and guidelines and provide clear instructions on data storage and documentation.<\/p>\n Last but not least, the document must be regularly reviewed, updated and optimized. This procedure should also be clearly set out in the procedural instructions. <\/p>\n Only rarely do existing specialists in the company have the necessary capacities and resources to develop guidelines and instructions to the required extent.<\/p>\n But: The effort is worth it! So what can companies do?<\/strong><\/p>\n The specialists at tepcon offer a high level of consulting expertise in all matters relating to quality management and procedural instructions<\/a>.<\/p>\n The tepcon instructor is a software multi-tool that offers a high level of relief in this area in particular and delivers qualified results. All aspects of a professional process instruction are covered intuitively and efficiently with the tepcon instructor: from the definition of the framework factors to the process description and continuous updating. <\/p>\n This enables companies in a wide range of industries to create greater security and quality in no time at all. They benefit from high added value without tying up too much capacity.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Common_CTA” module_class=”wissen_cta_section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c333a 0%|#2c333a 52%|#532d3b 75%|#b61f3f 100%” background_image=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/bg-element-3.svg” background_position=”top_center” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ module_class=”vam_a980″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”h2_class white_text anchor_link_class” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/tepcon.de\/en\/contact\/” button_text=”Contact us” button_alignment=”right” module_class=”secondary_btn” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”checkmrk_list anchor_link_class” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”12″ module_id=”sectionscrollid16″ module_class=”anchor_link_class ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n With the “instructor”, you can create process instructions, work instructions and other QM documents quickly, consistently and in an audit-proof manner. The software supports you in the structured documentation of all processes – intuitively, digitally and efficiently. <\/p>\n This not only saves you time, but also valuable human resources.<\/p>\n As a long-standing specialist in process digitization, we can provide you with comprehensive advice on the optimal use of the “instructors” in your company.<\/p>\n See for yourself: Request a no-obligation demo version now and discover how easy digital quality assurance can be.<\/p>\n We accompany you step by step – from the first VA to full integration.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”12″ module_class=”anchor_link_class mb0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion module_class=”custom_accrodian_toggle” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is a procedural instruction and what is it needed for?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]A procedural instruction (PI) is a binding document that defines how certain processes should be carried out in the company. It is used to standardize workflows, clarify responsibilities and ensure compliance with quality requirements – for example in accordance with ISO 9001. It provides clear guidance for employees in their daily work, for example in areas such as production or maintenance.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What does a procedural instruction typically contain?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]A process instruction describes the individual steps of a process, specifies the roles involved, required resources and relevant documents. In addition, it often contains information on compliance with legal regulations, quality assurance and communication with customers. <\/p>\n The aim is to increase efficiency and avoid errors through clear structures.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Who creates procedural instructions in the company?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]The creation of a VA is usually the responsibility of the respective specialist department, often in collaboration with quality management. It is important that the content is formulated in a practical way and regularly reviewed so that employees in areas such as maintenance or customer service can work effectively with it.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Is there an example of a process instruction according to ISO 9001?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]A typical example would be a process instruction for handling complaints. It regulates how processes for recording, analyzing and resolving customer complaints are carried out, who takes on which tasks and which documents are used – in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The procedural instructions are a key pillar for consistently high standards and efficient processes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":59387,"template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","content-type":""},"wissen_kategorie":[25],"class_list":["post-59385","wissen","type-wissen","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","wissen_kategorie-alle"],"yoast_head":"\nHow is the procedural instruction defined and differentiated?<\/h4>\n
Procedural instructions, standard operating procedures and other quality management procedures<\/h3>\n
Book your personal demo and experience the benefits directly!<\/h4>\n
Procedural instructions in the QM context<\/h3>\n
ISO 9001: Specifications for the process instruction<\/h3>\n
Structure and content of a procedural instruction<\/h3>\n
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Design instructions simply, professionally and effectively<\/h3>\n
Are you in a hurry? Click here to go directly to our product<\/a>, the tepcon instructor! <\/h4>\n
Procedural instructions made easy: the tepcon “instructor” takes over the task<\/h2>\n
FAQ Procedural instruction<\/h2>\n