From military organizations and government agencies to financial institutions and medical facilities, logistical standard operational procedures (SOP) can be unique to each organization. SOP is a collection documents or manuals defining how an organization carries out duties with an emphasis on resource allocation and management. An SOP consist of administrative policies, procedures, process maps, standards and forms that can be used for reference or training. However, there are different types of logistical structures that determine the formatting of information for an SOP operational procedure or document.

Individual Agency SOP

Within a large organization or agency, individual agency SOPs address the logistical process of standalone operations according to a defined departmental organizational structure. This type of SOP defines components and responsibilities within the organization or agency according to its mission statement and strategic plan. The SOP provides guidance for daily tasks and defines the roles of key personnel, positions and responsibilities within an agency or organization.

Joint SOP Collaborations

In an environment in which logistical services are combined with other organizations to produce desired results, joint SOP collaborations are created to address planned event issues defining the responsibilities of each party in a collaborative effort. An example is the collaborative efforts of the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to monitor banking operations.

Regional Communication SOP

The regional communication SOP addresses the implementation and use of communications systems (voice, data, and enterprise networks) to support large logistical projects among various agencies or organizations. An example is a regional communication SOP established between a local telephone company and a long-distance carrier.

Management System Integrated SOP

Management system integrated SOPs are standards and procedures that define the use of management information systems (MIS) to support logistics activities and functions. Most organizations create plans to address management reporting functions, requirements, frequency of reporting, administration procedures and strategic planning processes. A management SOP is effective in large logistical organizations that have several integrated components, such as the transportation industry.