# Standard Work

> Source: https://netray.co/glossary/standard-work
> Publisher: Netray (netray.co), AI and integration engineering for ERP and manufacturing systems.
> Section: Glossary

## Short answer

Standard work is the documented, current best-known way to perform a task, specifying the work sequence, the time for each step (takt and cycle time) and the standard stock on hand, serving as the baseline for improvement.

## Aliases

- standardized work
- standard operating procedure lean
- work standard

## Category

manufacturing

## Full Definition

In lean, standard work has three core elements: takt time, the work sequence, and the standard work in process needed to keep the operation flowing. It is usually captured on a work combination table and a standard work chart showing manual time, machine time and walking.

It differs from a traditional SOP in purpose. An SOP often describes what must be done for compliance. Standard work is built and owned by the people doing the job and is meant to be changed. Without a standard there is nothing to improve against, since any change would be compared to an undefined starting point.

ERP carries the planning-level version of standard work. Routings and operations with setup and run times (routing and operation records in Infor SyteLine, routings in SAP and Infor LN, routings and work centers in NetSuite) drive scheduling and costing. If shop floor standard work improves cycle time but the routing is never updated, the plan and standard cost drift from reality, so a feedback step from kaizen to routing maintenance is essential.

Common mistakes include writing standards at a desk without observing the work, never revisiting them, and using them to police rather than to teach.

## Why It Matters

- Reduces variation between people and shifts, improving quality and predictability.
- Provides the baseline that kaizen improves on.
- Speeds training and cross-skilling.
- Keeps ERP routings and standard costs aligned with actual methods.

## In Practice

An assembly operator performs nine steps with a 6.5 minute cycle against a 7 minute takt. After observation, a kaizen team reorders steps to remove walking, bringing the cycle to about 6 minutes. The standard work chart is updated, the operator is trained, and the routing run time is revised so the schedule and cost roll-up reflect it.

## Faq

### What are the elements of standard work?

**Answer:** Takt time, the work sequence, and the standard work in process or stock on hand needed to run the operation.

### How is standard work different from an SOP?

**Answer:** Standard work is created by the operators, is meant to be improved and is built around takt and cycle time. An SOP is often a fixed compliance document.

### Who should write standard work?

**Answer:** The people who do the job, with supervisors and engineers supporting, after observing the work at the gemba.

### How does standard work relate to ERP routings?

**Answer:** Routings hold planned setup and run times used for scheduling and costing. They should be updated when standard work changes.

## Search terms

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