Franchising has become an increasingly popular way for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and reach new markets. But to be successful in franchising, franchisors, multi-unit business owners, or those who are just about to expand must have a solid foundation for their growing business, including well-defined standard operating procedures (SOPs).

In this blog, we will discuss the importance of SOPs in the franchise industry, give a simple guide for creating them, and how franchise management software can help you develop, manage and protect your business operations manuals and checklists to build a solid franchise foundation.

 

What are Operations Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)?

As the name suggests, the Operations Manual is the documentation by which a business provides guidance for members, employees and franchisees to perform the various key processes and functions effectively. Operations manuals may also be documented as standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as in the form of checklists by functions or departments.

In a more technical definition, an SOP is a documented process that outlines the steps involved in performing a specific task or activity in a franchise business. SOPs ensure that all franchise locations follow the same procedures, processes and systems, helping to maintain consistency and quality control.

 

Why are SOPs Important in Franchise Businesses?

Having well-defined SOPs in place is crucial for a franchise business to succeed. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Consistency in operations and processes: By having SOPs in place, all franchise locations can follow the same processes and procedures, resulting in a consistent and uniform experience for customers, regardless of the location they visit.
  2. Improved communication and collaboration: SOPs provide clear and concise instructions for performing specific tasks and activities, which can help to improve communication and collaboration between franchise locations.
  3. Enhanced training and onboarding: SOPs serve as a comprehensive training manual for new employees, making it easier to train and onboard new staff.
  4. Streamlined decision-making: By following SOPs, franchisees can make informed decisions quickly and efficiently, reducing the time and effort required to make important business decisions.
  5. Better customer experience: With consistent processes and procedures in place, franchise businesses can provide a better customer experience, which can help to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  6. Increased efficiency and productivity: By following well-defined SOPs, franchise locations can work more efficiently and effectively, increasing overall productivity and profitability.

 

Building a Manuals Library

To protect your business’s intellectual property, you should store and organize these key processes on one central system, such as a Manuals Library.

Before you can build your own Manuals Library, you must determine which key business processes (SOPs and checklists) you need to create depending on the model and the industry your business belongs to.

Generally, here’s a simplified step-by-step on how to help you get started:

  1. Identify the key processes and activities that need SOPs.
  2. Assign responsibility for creating and maintaining each SOP.
  3. Develop a standard format for all SOPs.
  4. Document each step in the process or activity, including any relevant details, forms, or checklists.
  5. Review and test each SOP to ensure it is accurate and effective.
  6. Revise and update SOPs as needed based on franchisees’ feedback or business changes.

Using a standard operating procedure template can help streamline the process and ensure consistency across all locations.

 

Consider ISO Certifications for Standard Operating Procedures

If you’re serious about implementing SOPs in your franchise and multi-unit business, consider pursuing ISO certifications. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems. Earning an ISO certification demonstrates your commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

There are several ISO certifications that might be relevant to your standard operating procedures, including:

  • ISO 9001: Quality Management System
  • ISO 14001: Environmental Management System
  • ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management System

While ISO certifications are not required for franchise businesses, they can be a valuable asset that can help you stand out from competitors and attract more customers.

 

Using Franchise Management Software to Implement SOPs

Developing, implementing, and maintaining SOPs across multiple franchise locations can be challenging, but with the help of franchise management software, it’s much more manageable. Franchise management software offers a range of tools and features that can help you create, manage, and monitor SOPs and other critical aspects of your franchise business from anywhere, anytime.

One of the key features of franchise management software is the Manuals Library, which provides a centralized location for creating, storing and managing all kinds of SOPs. With the Manuals Library, you can create custom templates, assign tasks and responsibilities to specific franchisees, and monitor compliance across all franchise locations.

Other useful features of franchise management software include:

  • Task management: Assign tasks and track progress to ensure compliance with SOPs and other critical processes.
  • Training management: Create and manage training programs for new franchisees and track compliance.
  • Analytics and reporting: Generate detailed reports on key performance metrics, such as revenue, profitability, and compliance.

 

Summing it Up

Well-defined standard operating procedures are critical to the success of a franchise business. However, implementing SOPs can only be easy with the right tools and resources. Franchise management software with Manuals Library provides a centralized platform for creating, managing and updating SOPs anytime and anywhere, helping your franchisees maintain consistency, uniformity and efficiency and making it easier to improve the overall success of your franchise network.

Related: Transform Your Franchise with Effective SOPs: The Tools, Strategies, and Best Practices Webinar