Best practice is a repeatable standard—not a shortcut. Always follow the laws, regulations, license conditions, and written procedures that apply to your state and workplace.
The five-part operating standard
1. Verify before acting
- Confirm identity, authority, product, quantity, and destination.
- Use current source documents and approved systems.
- Stop when information conflicts or is incomplete.
2. Follow the written process
- Use the current SOP rather than memory alone.
- Complete steps in the approved order.
- Document any authorized deviation and its reason.
3. Protect product and people
- Maintain sanitation, security, access, and chain-of-custody controls.
- Report hazards, diversion concerns, and equipment failures promptly.
- Never trade safety for speed.
4. Document in real time
- Record work when it happens—not at the end of the shift from memory.
- Use accurate times, quantities, names, and required identifiers.
- Correct errors transparently under the approved procedure.
5. Close the loop
- Reconcile inventory, records, cash, keys, and outstanding exceptions.
- Escalate unresolved discrepancies before leaving responsibility.
- Share lessons that can improve the SOP or training.
Manager check
- Is the standard clear and accessible?
- Can employees demonstrate it?
- Are exceptions reviewed and corrected?
- Does the record prove the work was completed?
Use this at work
Choose one recurring task this week. Compare the written procedure with what actually happens, identify one preventable failure point, and assign a specific correction with an owner and due date.
Open the PSN Resource DirectoryEducational information only. This page does not replace state rules, legal advice, license requirements, or an employer’s approved procedures.