Standard operating procedure software can help you create, document, and share important procedures with your team. In this article, I review the 8 best SOP software of 2024.
Providing your team with detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) can ensure safety, compliance, and strong performance. But once you’ve created the SOPs, it’s challenging to figure out how and where to document them and share them with your team to keep everyone aligned.
But there’s good news: SOP software enables you to document and store your policies and procedures in one place and makes it easy for your employees to access them.
In this article, I’ve done extensive market research to bring you my top 8 picks of the best standard operating procedure software so you can choose the right one for your business.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one SOP software
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Good for creating training manuals and documents
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Good for incorporating AI
Why trust us?
Our team of unbiased software reviewers follows strict editorial guidelines, and our methodology is clear and open to everyone.
See our complete methodology
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Tools considered
19
Tools reviewed
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Best tools
chosen
How I Chose the Best SOP Software
Here’s what I looked for when evaluating SOP software:
Must-have core features:
- Customization options: This allows you to tailor SOPs to the needs of your business and present information however your employees best digest it.
- Document management features: The software should provide robust document management capabilities, allowing you to create, store, organize, and retrieve SOP documents easily.
- Search functionality lets employees easily find the information they need, so they can stay in compliance with any SOPs. For example, Connecteam’s search functionality is simple to use from any device with just a few clicks.
I looked for usability features, like:
- Access control allows you to set security permissions to keep confidential information in the right hands while letting your employees easily access public information.
- Mobile app so employees can review SOPs and other important information on the go.
- Good customer support is important so you can get technical help if you run into any issues with the app.
Other important product features I checked for include:
- Collaboration features, like the ability to assign tasks, track progress, and work together, let you and your team stay on the same page and minimize confusion.
- Compliance and Audit Trail: SOPs often require compliance with industry regulations or quality standards. Look for software that enables you to maintain an audit trail of changes made to SOPs, tracks user actions, and provides version history. This can help with regulatory compliance and facilitate audits or inspections.
- Direct messaging to individuals and groups keeps team members connected and in the know. Using a tool like Connecteam lets you communicate easily and efficiently in real time.
- Employee knowledge base and training tools keep your team up-to-date on SOPs and processes to follow.
The 8 Best SOP Softwares of 2024
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one SOP software
Why I chose Connecteam: Connecteam is the best all-in-one SOP software—offering tools to create SOPs, train your team, and assign and manage tasks.
Let’s take a closer look at Connecteam’s standout features.
Create and follow SOPs with checklists
With Connecteam, you can create checklists and digital forms that detail standard operating procedures and processes for safety, daily workflows, and more. With pre-made templates and customization options, you can design checklists in a snap and keep them updated from any device with just a click. You’re even able to attach files or images to provide more information.
It’s easy to distribute checklists to your team wherever they are—whether you’re sending them to individuals or a group. You can set notifications to stay informed as employees check off items so you’re always aware that proper procedures are followed.
For even more peace of mind, you can require employees to sign off on their work via an eSignature. Plus, Connecteam’s real time GPS tracker lets you stay confident that workers are truly where they should be.
To stay in compliance, Connecteam lets you file past data so you can keep track of past work and easily export or share reports.
Make procedures accessible with an employee knowledge base
Connecteam’s company knowledge base allows you to create and upload all SOP documentation for your employees’ easy access.
Workers can access all SOPs and process documents from the web or their mobile devices, wherever they are. They’ll never have to worry about whether they know the right thing to do. Plus, files automatically sync, so everyone always has the latest updates.
Simply drag and drop to organize and file all information, and use personalization options to ensure the knowledge base reflects your organization’s branding.
Furthermore, rest assured your company’s procedures are secure: You can set user access permissions and keep information safe with encrypted storage and backup.
Train and quiz employees on business processes and procedures
Developing and distributing SOPs is the first step to ensuring compliance from your team, but how do you know if they’re retaining the information? Using Connecteam’s employee training app, you can create training courses to make sure the team has all the details.
You’re able to customize and revise content and track employees’ progress every step of the way.
Connecteam’s training tools are also a boon for compliance: You can create a record of all mandatory training, and you’ll never have to worry about whether your team knows how to follow the right procedures.
Once your team has completed training, you can set up quizzes. Customization options let you design quizzes quickly for any use case, so it’s easy to test your employees’ knowledge of SOPs and processes.
Employees can access and engage with courses and quizzes from anywhere, on any device. When it’s time to check on their progress, you can see an overview of performance on a specific quiz or per employee right from the central admin dashboard.
Store important documents and search with a click
Connecteam’s team documents feature allows you to to upload and save all important documents—no matter how large the files are or how many you have. Whether you need to upload SOP documents for your team or upload records in compliance with SOPs, you’re covered with Connecteam.
You can even set expiration dates for documents that require a renewal, letting you stay in compliance with any regulatory procedures.
Employees can upload documents as well, and the search function makes it easy for anyone to quickly pull up information later.
Assign and manage tasks in one place
Never again wonder if your employees are adhering to your set procedures. With Connecteam’s task management app, you can create, assign, and keep track of all tasks related to your SOPs (or any other business operations).
You can include detailed descriptions, checklists, attachments, and more to each task so employees don’t miss anything. Plus, automated reminders keep you in the loop as work gets completed.
Share SOPs and communicate updates easily
Sharing updates and announcements with your team is simple with Connecteam’s company updates feature and the built-in online team chat.
Using the updates feature—which is like a social-media-style newsfeed for your company—you can share information with relevant employees or your whole company in one go. Schedule posts to go live at a particular time and make them more engaging with GIFs, images, and videos. You’re even able to see who has viewed your posts, helping monitor engagement rates.
With the team chat, you can communicate with employees one-on-one or in groups. Set custom user permissions, monitor conversations, remove any inappropriate content, and add images, audio notes, and file attachments to any message.
Employees will receive notifications for new posts in the newsfeed and new messages in the chat. This ensures your team doesn’t miss anything.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Get Started Now!
Key Features
Use checklists to easily create and document SOPs
Create and manage tasks, then track to completion
Build training courses and test employees’ knowledge
Create a robust knowledge base
Communicate with individuals or entire teams
Set security and access permissions to keep details secure
Pros
All-in-one solution, offering more than just SOP tools
Manage the entire SOP process from creation to training to completion
Flexibility to choose from pre-made templates or customize your own
Unlimited document storage
Managed software, so you have full customer support
Cons
Needs internet or wifi access to work
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
Trainual — Good for creating training manuals and documents
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Trainual is an SOP program that allows users to develop standard operating procedures and turn them into employee training documents that can then be edited, shared, and tracked over time.
Why I chose Trainual: Leaders can create manuals, playbooks, and other documents, share with their employees, and automatically disseminate relevant content to onboarding employees.
Unfortunately, Trainual is more expensive than some other options. Also, because its focus is mostly on training, it may not offer all the features a company requires.
Key Features
- AI document creation capabilities and screen recording
- Organize content into “collections” based on team, department, or other categorization
- Time tracking and time estimates for processes
- Training tools and quizzes
Pros
- Available via mobile, web, and browser extension
- Easy to use
Cons
- Pricier than other SOP programs
- User roles and permissions can be confusing to set up and manage
Pricing
Starts at $99/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Process Street — Good for incorporating AI
Available on
- Web
- iOS
Process Street uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help users streamline process management by creating SOPs and automating tasks.
Why I chose Process Street: Users can use the document editor to create and edit SOPs and then use AI to create workflows for their teams. Leaders can use forms and surveys to gather SOP information or integrate them into workflows to request feedback from employees.
Some users report that the tool can be slow to load and that it can be difficult to quickly switch between workflows. Additionally, some of the more advanced features may be confusing to those who haven’t used software like this in the past.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop document editor
- Analytics and reporting features
- Centralized repository accessible from any device
- Integrates with other apps
Pros
- AI can automate manual work
- Integrates with many other apps
Cons
- Can be slow to load or move between workflows
- User interface may be confusing for some
Pricing
Starts at $30/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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Scribe — Good for screen capturing processes
Available on
- Web
- Windows
- Mac
Scribe’s browser extension lets users capture their screens and work, the it turns that into a workflow with step-by-step instructions.
Why I chose Scribe: Users can edit the details to ensure accuracy or remove personal or confidential information before sharing the “Scribe” with individuals or teams or uploading to another system.
Beyond capturing information, Scribe has limited features so wouldn’t be the best option for anyone looking for a robust suite of tools.
Key Features
- Capture tasks using browser extension, then receive an automated process doc
- Customization and “Scribe” sharing options
- Redact confidential data as needed
Pros
- Does the work of capturing instructions automatically
- Free-to-use browser extension for Google Chrome
Cons
- Limited features
- No integrations with other software
Pricing
Starts at $12/user/month, for minimum 5 users Trial: No Free Plan: Yes
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SweetProcess
SweetProcess — Good for task management and productivity
Available on
- Web
- Android
- Mac
SweetProcess is a cloud-based system that manages workflows and allows users to create documentation, assign tasks, and track productivity.
Why I chose SweetProcess: Users can document tasks, policies, and processes in one place. With task management, leaders can assign tasks to employees and keep track of their progress and how well they’re adhering to the required procedures.
Unfortunately, SweetProcess offers limited access control options, which puts confidentiality and security at risk.
Key Features
- Create procedure documents, combine into a workflow, and link to relevant policies
- Knowledge base for employees
- Restrict access based on an employee’s team
- AI-created processes and procedures
Pros
- Email and phone support available
- No tiered membership—everyone has the same access
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Fewer integrations available compared to similar software
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 20 users + $5/month per additional user Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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ProcessKit
ProcessKit — Good for project and client management
Available on
- Web
- Windows
- Mac
ProcessKit is a client and project management platform aimed at helping businesses onboard clients.
Why I chose ProcessKit: With built-in templates and automations, users can set up process and procedure documentation and track progress throughout the client’s pipeline.
Leaders can also create and assign tasks to their teams, audit completion, and ensure the right processes are followed.
ProcessKit is accessible via mobile web browsers, but it doesn’t have a mobile app, which can make it a bit more challenging to use.
Key Features
- Process builder
- Conditional logic so tasks adapt to individuals or workflows
- Can assign process updates to all relevant projects
- Library of SOP templates, project types, and more
Pros
- Integrates with thousands of apps using Zapier
- Easy to make changes across all documentation and projects
Cons
- Costly for larger teams
- “Mobile-friendly” but doesn’t have a mobile app
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for up to 3 team members + $19/month for each additional member Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Whale
Whale — Good for knowledge sharing and training
Available on
- Web
Whale is SOP software that allows users to develop SOPs using templates or the built-in screen recorder.
Why I chose Whale: They can assign reviewers and owners to specific SOPs, store unlimited documents, and use the SOPs to train their teams.
While Whale offers reporting and analytics, these features aren’t available in the lowest price tier. Similarly, Whale’s future mobile app will only be available to those on the middle or highest price tiers.
Key Features
- Built-in SOP templates
- Ability to assign reviewers and owners to SOPs
- Search functionality
- Integrations with software like Google Drive and OneDrive
Pros
- Unlimited documentation and document storage
- Screen recorder can capture important information
Cons
- Most integrations available only with the highest-priced option
- Mobile app not yet available and will only be include in mid- and highest-tier plans
Pricing
Starts at $5/month for a minimum of 5 users Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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MaintainX — Good for industrial and frontline workers
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
MaintainX lets maintenance- and operations-focused businesses streamline pen-on-paper processes into digital workflows.
Why I chose MaintainX: Leaders can manage their policies and procedures in one place, and cloud storage enables access and edits from anywhere.
MaintainX can assist leaders in keeping track of past audits, as well as escalations or failures to adhere to procedures. Additionally, the direct messaging feature enables managers to communicate updates or changes to the team.
While MaintainX is available on mobile for both Apple and Android, users have expressed frustration that neither of the mobile apps offer as much functionality as the web version.
Key Features
- Centralizes SOPs and policies
- Keeps track of past audits, escalations, and failures
- Create and access checklists via the cloud
- Free templates available
Pros
- Messaging features allow frequent communication with employees
- Leaders can customize the app to create new SOPs and reports
Cons
- Reports that mobile app has less functionality than web version
- User interface can be confusing
Pricing
Starts at $8.33/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
Compare the Best SOP Softwares
| Topic |
Start for free
|
|
|
|
SweetProcess | ProcessKit | Whale |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reviews |
  |
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
| Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
|
Starts at $99/month
|
Starts at $30/user/month
|
Starts at $12/user/month, for minimum 5 users
|
Starts at $99/month for up to 20 users + $5/month per additional user
|
Starts at $49/month for up to 3 team members + $19/month for each additional member
|
Starts at $5/month for a minimum of 5 users
|
Starts at $8.33/user/month
|
| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
|
yes
|
yes
|
no
|
yes
|
yes
|
yes
|
yes
|
| Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
|
no
|
yes
|
yes
|
no
|
no
|
no
|
yes
|
| Use cases |
Best all-in-one SOP software
|
Good for creating training manuals and documents
|
Good for incorporating AI
|
Good for screen capturing processes
|
Good for task management and productivity
|
Good for project and client management
|
Good for knowledge sharing and training
|
Good for industrial and frontline workers
|
| Available on |
Web, iOS, Android
|
Web, iOS
|
Web, Windows, Mac
|
Web, Android, Mac
|
Web, Windows, Mac
|
Web
|
Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
|
What Is SOP Software?
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are documented processes or instructions that detail the expected guidelines or requirements for carrying out a particular task or workflow. SOP software, or SOP management software, is a digital tool to create, document, update, and share SOPs without resorting to paper and manual filing.
The best SOP management software offers templates to create SOPs and task lists, controls for sharing and permissions, storage of SOPs and other documents, and the ability to assign and track work.
These features simplify the process of creating and managing SOPs, as well as make it easier for leaders to ensure all employees understand and adhere to requirements.
How Does SOP Software Work?
SOP management software allows an organization to create, update, and manage their internal SOPs.
You can use the software to create a new SOP, either by selecting a template to edit or by starting from a blank document. You can then insert the relevant information, like instructions, images, or checklists. With most software, you’ll also have the option to import an existing SOP.
Once the SOP has been created, most software lets you share it with team members and allow their review, contributions, or edits (depending on the permissions you set). You can assign tasks based on a certain SOP and track the employee’s work and completion.
An employee can log into the software at any time and type keywords into the search function, which will then bring up any relevant documents for their review.
The Benefits of SOP Software
Clear standardization
Using standard operating procedure software lets you eliminate discrepancies and variations in processes and workflows.
You can use the software to help you create specific and detailed SOPs, and with one single location for all processes and procedures, you’ll know everyone has access to the same information. Your team will be on the same page about what’s required, so they’re more likely to adhere to the right procedures without question.
Enhanced compliance
Another benefit of employees being on the same page about operating procedures is that they’re more likely to remain in compliance. Having documented SOPs lets you ensure your business is in line with industry regulations, legal requirements, and any internal policies.
Better employee accessibility and accuracy
The best SOP management software—particularly options with mobile apps—puts your procedures and processes in your employees’ hands at all times. This reduces the risk of missteps and mistakes.
Increased efficiency
When employees have easy access to SOPs, they’ll spend less time searching for information and struggling through ambiguity and more time on their work.
Plus, many SOP software options include task management features, so you can stay on top of what your employees need to complete and help them stay on track.
More efficient SOP training
Using SOP software helps new employees learn the ropes and keeps tenured workers up to date on all required processes and procedures. This reduces the risk of employees making mistakes or not complying with requirements.
How Much Does SOP Software Cost?
The cost for SOP software can vary, with options ranging from free to $99 per month or more.
It’s important to be sure that the software you choose covers all of your needs for the most value. Some options, like Whale, come with a tiered pricing system, where you receive fewer features for a lower price point. Full functionality is available only if you pay top dollar.
Additionally, pricing often changes based on the number of users, so pay attention to the fine print. ProcessKit, for example, costs $49 per month for 3 users but charges an additional $19/month per additional user. For 10 team members, you’d pay $182 a month.
Connecteam, on the other hand, provides the best bang for your buck. Our Small Business Plan is 100% free for up to 10 users, and paid plans start from as little as $29 per month for up to 30 users.
FAQs
What is SOP software?
SOP software is a digital tool allowing users to create, manage, and distribute standard operating procedures for their organization. This software may include templates, checklists, search functionality, and document storage. Connecteam is an example of a great all-in-one SOP solution.
What is an example of SOP?
A standard operating procedure is an outline of step-by-step instructions to achieve a certain task. An example is an SOP for receiving incoming materials, which may include steps like verifying details, inspecting for damages, updating inventory records, and moving the materials to the intended recipient.
What app do you use for SOP?
There are many options for SOP software, but the best all-in-one SOP app is Connecteam. Connecteam provides businesses with the ability to easily create, document, and store SOPs, as well as share them with employees.
The Bottom Line On SOP Software
SOPs are imperative for businesses to ensure high performance, safety, and compliance with regulations. For many business leaders, however, the process of creating, documenting, and distributing SOPs can be burdensome. This can lead to a lack of clear documentation and puts the company at risk.
That’s where SOP software comes in. Using a digital tool makes it easy to create and manage your SOPs, ensure your team’s knowledge, and keep track of necessary tasks.
The best option is Connecteam, an all-in-one app offering SOP creation and customization, knowledge bases and training, and messaging and notifications. With Connecteam as your software of choice, you’ll never have to stress about SOPs again.