A standard operating procedure (SOP) outlines specific detail on how to carry out a routine procedure. SOPs should include a title, references, appendices, revision date, pictures, warnings, necessary equipment, definitions, and the steps required. For SOPs to be practical, the workers carrying out the tasks should have a great deal of say in the procedure. Using words like “will” and “shall” instead of “can” and “should” help to give direction rather than suggestion. After reviewing and testing the SOP it should be signed and placed in a binder for easy access. This is good for refreshers for current employees and for new employees. SOPs are good for ensuring that procedures that need to get done are performed in a timely manner to allow efficient flow of production. They are also good for training new staff, provide complete and accurate data for all procedures performed in the barn, ensure accuracy of data collected, instill safe working habits, and ensure compliance with company policy. SOPs can fail if a third party creates them, essentially making them completely impractical. If an SOP is too long-winded, too simple (for experienced employees), inaccessible, or not updated regularly, SOPs can fail to do what they are designed for.