How to Make an Operations Manual for Machines

por Laura Castañeda | Dec 28, 2021 5:00:50 PM

operation manual tequila industry casa sauza

For companies of the modern-day, training new personnel how to utilize equipment implies a great challenge and responsibility. It is for this reason that we make sure to keep our procedures updated. This exclusive blog post will cover everything you need to know about creating an Operations Manual.

All new equipment comes with manuals that tell us their specific functions. When this machinery initially arrives at a company, it is challenging for personnel that must operate it for the first time. The personnel must familiarize themselves with the equipment while simultaneously monitoring it.

The personnel’s effort and dedication allows for the development of a new manual: one that integrates the machine operations with the activities those operations allow. This new manual is a concentrated version of the original, whose specified information can then be distributed to the rest of the staff.

Because of all my time and experience at the company, I have come to realize that the best way to create an Operations Manual is to do so in the most simple, visual and user-friendly way possible in order to spike interest and nurture staff knowledge.

What is the objective of the Operations Manual?

The purpose of an operations manual is to foster consistent results in regards to staff development, and the spread of knowledge as quickly and easily as possible.

What are the Benefits of Creating an Operations Manual?

  • The company has access to operating knowledge
  • Information is available for the development of new staff
  • Develop staff knowledge in a quick fashion, and minimize errors
  • It is foundational in order to maintain work quality and ethic at a peak, and even improve it

What is the format of an Operations Manual?

Manuals must be written in formal structure, which requires a:

  • Cover page
  • Index
  • Dissemination of information
  • Visual support

What to Consider when writing an Operations Manual

The writer must keep in mind that the reader of this manual may not have even come to contact with the equipment. For this reason, it is of vital importance to:

  • Identify operations procedures. Activities must be broken down and presented on a step-by-step basis.
  • Keep it simple. Don’t use words that are too technical, because most of the staff-members will not be experts in using this new equipment.
  • Use visuals. Visuals should specify appropriate places in which the equipment should be handled, as well as all of the operations steps. This helps the operator understand the information and remember it later.
  • It is important to divulge any information that is directly linked to the operation. For example, the manual should clearly state what safety equipment to wear, what to do in the case of emergencies, etc.
  • The manual must be approved by an expert or experienced operators that can authorize the manual’s accuracy with confidence.
  • The manual may be as detailed as you wish. It is important to remember that as specificity increases, doubt decreases.

The operations manual is a live document that must be open to modification by all staff-members, as its effectiveness can only be confirmed with active use.

If you’d like to know more about our Standardization Processes, I encourage you to follow-up with our blogs!

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