The advantage of a written procedure is best described as which of the following?

• A. It is a perpetual coordination device
• B. It guarantees defect-free production
• C. It eliminates the need for training
• D. It speeds up production

Answer: (A)

A written procedure provides a standard, repeatable way to perform a task and serves as a stable reference across time. Because it documents the exact steps, sequence, responsibilities, and acceptance criteria, it coordinates how work is done across operators, shifts, and equipment, helping to maintain consistent quality and performance. This makes it a durable coordination device that stays useful even as personnel or tools change, and it also supports training and audits by offering a single source of truth.

It doesn’t guarantee defect-free production, since quality depends on many factors beyond just following steps. It doesn’t eliminate the need for training—new workers still need instruction to correctly interpret and apply the procedure. And it doesn’t inherently speed up production; while it can reduce variation and rework, speed is influenced by broader process factors.