01 Elements of a procedure

A procedure is:

• A way of proceeding, usually a mode of conducting business or a legal action
• A series of actions performed in a specific order or manner

A documented procedure typically includes:

• A descriptive title or access point
• A clear sequence of actions and responses to those actions

A documented procedure may also include:

• An account of the output or result
• Warnings about potential problems or error conditions
• One or more links to related topics  

'The truth is out there' (X Files)

The most critical component of any documented procedure is complete, accurate and up-to-date information. All other components – platform, organization, layout, formatting – are secondary. If you take away nothing else from this session, remember that to efficiently document procedures you must:

• Keep the project as accurate as possible
• Keep the project as simple as possible
• Keep the project as short as possible

DOCUMENTING PROCEDURES 01: Elements of a procedure