Work Instruction
A work instruction is a detailed, step-by-step guide that provides specific, technical instructions on how to complete a particular task or operation within a larger business process.
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What is a Work Instruction?
A work instruction tells someone exactly how to do a specific task. It's more than a general guideline. It's a step-by-step breakdown that covers every detail, from the tools you'll need to the order of operations, so there's no guesswork involved.
Work instructions zero in on the "how" of a single task. They include specifics like exact measurements, which tools to grab, safety notes, and quality checks along the way. Frontline workers rely on these documents to get things right the first time, which cuts down on mistakes and keeps quality steady no matter who's on shift.
In manufacturing, healthcare, and other regulated fields, work instructions are more than helpful. They're often required for compliance. Think of them as the tactical layer in your process documentation hierarchy. They sit below standard operating procedures, filling in the execution details that SOPs mention but don't spell out.
Key Characteristics of Work Instructions
- High Level of Detail: A work instruction includes exact measurements, tool specs, timing requirements, and quality criteria. Nothing is left vague or open to interpretation.
- Single Task Focus: Unlike SOPs that might span an entire process, a work instruction concentrates on one task, performed by one person, in one role.
- Visual Elements: Good work instructions include photos, diagrams, screenshots, or videos showing what each step should look like in practice. These visual work instructions improve comprehension and reduce errors.
- Operational Level: These documents are written for operators and frontline workers, not managers or supervisors overseeing the bigger picture.
- Compliance Documentation: For regulated industries, work instructions serve as proof that standardized methods are in place. They're essential for quality management systems like ISO 9001.
Work Instruction Examples
Example 1: Manufacturing Assembly
A manufacturing facility might create a work instruction for assembling a circuit board component. It would specify the solder temperature (350 degrees Celsius), wire gauge (22 AWG), labeled diagrams showing connection points, inspection criteria, and exact tool specifications. Every technician assembles the component the same way, whether it's their first day or their thousandth.
Example 2: Healthcare Sample Collection
A medical laboratory could develop a work instruction for blood sample collection. It would lay out the sequence of steps, the venipuncture angle (15 to 30 degrees), which tubes to fill in what order, labeling requirements, and how to prevent contamination. Patient safety and sample integrity stay consistent across all phlebotomists.
Work Instruction vs SOP
Work instructions and SOPs work together, but they serve different purposes in an organization's documentation stack.
| Aspect | Work Instruction | Standard Operating Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Detailed guide for specific task | High-level overview of entire process |
| Scope | Single task performed by one person | Complete process involving multiple tasks and roles |
| Detail Level | Granular step-by-step instructions | General guidelines and objectives |
| Audience | Frontline workers executing tasks | Management, supervisors, cross-functional teams |
| When to use | Explaining single tasks (e.g., calibrating equipment) | Documenting complete procedures (e.g., quality control process) |
Work instructions provide the tactical execution details that SOPs reference but don't fully explain. For instance, an SOP for equipment maintenance might include a step that says "calibrate the pressure gauge." The work instruction would then detail exactly how to perform that calibration, covering tool settings, measurement tolerances, and verification steps.
How Glitter AI Helps with Work Instructions
Glitter AI takes the pain out of creating visual work instructions. Just record your screen as you perform a task, and Glitter automatically generates a documented work instruction with screenshots, annotations, and written guidance for each step.
Subject matter experts can demonstrate a task once and walk away with a finished document. No more spending hours manually capturing screenshots and writing out granular details. Teams end up with visual guides that frontline workers can follow in real-time, which speeds up training and reduces mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a work instruction?
A work instruction is a detailed, step-by-step guide that explains exactly how to perform a specific task. It covers technical details, tool specifications, and quality criteria so tasks are done consistently and correctly every time.
What is an example of a work instruction?
A manufacturing work instruction for soldering a circuit board might specify the exact solder temperature, wire gauge, connection points with diagrams, and inspection criteria. This way, every technician performs the task the same way.
What is the difference between a work instruction and an SOP?
A work instruction focuses on how to perform one specific task in detail, while an SOP provides a high-level view of an entire process with multiple tasks. Work instructions are tactical execution guides; SOPs are strategic process overviews.
Why are work instructions important?
Work instructions reduce errors, keep quality consistent, support regulatory compliance, shorten training time, and preserve technical knowledge. They're especially valuable for tasks where precise execution matters.
Who uses work instructions?
Frontline workers and operators use work instructions most often. This includes assembly line workers, lab technicians, machine operators, and service technicians who need detailed guidance to perform tasks correctly.
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