Procedure vs. Manual — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 14, 2024
Procedure outlines steps for specific tasks, focusing on the "how," while a manual is a comprehensive guide on various procedures, tools, or systems, emphasizing "what" and "how."
Difference Between Procedure and Manual
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A procedure is a set of specific instructions or steps designed to accomplish a particular task. It is detailed and focuses on the sequential actions required to achieve a specific outcome, often used to maintain consistency and efficiency in operations. On the other hand, a manual is a document or book that contains comprehensive information on a particular subject, system, or equipment. It includes procedures, guidelines, and instructions for various tasks or operations, serving as a reference to ensure correct usage and troubleshooting.
Procedures are typically focused and concise, aimed at guiding users through a particular process or task without deviating into unrelated details. They are essential in environments where precision and repeatability are critical, such as in manufacturing or laboratory settings. Whereas, manuals are more expansive, covering a wide range of information, including safety guidelines, maintenance instructions, specifications, and troubleshooting tips. Manuals are indispensable resources in ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of equipment or systems.
The format of a procedure is usually straightforward and directive, presenting steps in a logical sequence that users can follow easily. This format helps in minimizing errors and ensuring tasks are performed consistently. On the other hand, manuals may adopt a variety of formats, including diagrams, FAQs, and troubleshooting sections, to address the diverse needs of their users. The comprehensive nature of manuals makes them a go-to resource for understanding complex systems or equipment.
Procedures often require updates only when there is a change in the task process or to improve efficiency. These updates are usually straightforward, focusing on the steps themselves. Manuals, however, may require more frequent updates to accommodate changes in regulations, technology advancements, or updates in procedures. This makes maintaining manuals more complex and resource-intensive.
While procedures are generally more rigid and specific, manuals offer flexibility and depth, providing users with the knowledge to understand not just the "how" but also the "why" behind various operations. Manuals often include theoretical backgrounds, principles of operation, and detailed descriptions of components, which help users gain a deeper understanding of the system or equipment they are dealing with.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To outline specific steps for completing a task
To provide comprehensive guidance on a subject or equipment
Scope
Narrow, focusing on specific tasks
Broad, covering various procedures, guidelines, and instructions
Format
Directive, step-by-step instructions
Varied, including text, diagrams, FAQs, etc.
Frequency of Updates
As needed, based on changes in the task or process
Potentially more frequent to reflect regulatory or technological changes
Use Case
Ensuring consistency and efficiency in specific operations
Serving as a reference for operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Compare with Definitions
Procedure
A set of instructions for performing a task.
The laboratory procedure ensures accurate results.
Manual
A handbook or guide that provides specific information or instructions.
The user manual explains how to install the software.
Procedure
A series of actions conducted in a certain order or manner.
The procedure for assembling the device was easy to follow.
Manual
A reference work for professionals.
The engineer consulted the manual for the specifications.
Procedure
Steps taken in a legal action.
The legal procedure requires submitting several documents.
Manual
A document containing guidelines or rules.
The employee manual outlines company policies.
Procedure
A method or way of doing something.
The company adopted a new procedure for filing reports.
Manual
A comprehensive guide for using a device or system.
The car manual includes maintenance schedules.
Procedure
A formal way of doing something, based on a series of actions conducted in a certain order.
The evacuation procedure was followed smoothly.
Manual
A book of instructions for learning a subject.
The training manual was distributed during the workshop.
Procedure
An established or official way of doing something
The police are now reviewing procedures
Parliamentary procedure
Manual
Relating to or done with the hands
Manual dexterity
Procedure
A manner of proceeding; a way of performing or effecting something
Standard procedure.
Manual
A book giving instructions or information
A computer manual
Procedure
A series of steps taken to accomplish an end
A medical procedure.
Evacuation procedures.
Manual
A vehicle with manual transmission.
Procedure
(Computers) A set of instructions that performs a specific task; a subroutine or function.
Manual
An organ keyboard played with the hands not the feet.
Procedure
A set of established forms or methods for conducting the affairs of an organized body such as a business, club, or government.
Manual
Done by, used by, or operated with the hands.
Procedure
(Law) The set of rules under which litigation is conducted, especially in contrast to the set of substantive legal principles that determine the merits of legal controversies and disputes.
Manual
Employing human rather than mechanical energy
Manual labor.
Procedure
A particular method for performing a task.
Manual
Of, relating to, or resembling a small reference book.
Procedure
A series of small tasks or steps taken to accomplish an end.
Manual
A small reference book, especially one giving instructions.
Procedure
(uncountable) The set of established forms or methods of an organized body for accomplishing a certain task or tasks.
Ensure that you follow procedure when accessing customers' personal information.
Manual
(Music) A keyboard, as of an organ or harpsichord, played with the hands.
Procedure
The steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
Manual
A machine operated by hand.
Procedure
(obsolete) That which results; issue; product.
Manual
A manual transmission.
Procedure
(computing) A subroutine or function coded to perform a specific task, but does not return a value.
Manual
A vehicle having a manual transmission.
Procedure
(medicine) A surgical operation.
Manual
Prescribed movements in the handling of a weapon, especially a rifle
The manual of arms.
Procedure
The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct.
Manual
A maneuver in certain board sports, such as skateboarding, in which all of the board except one end is lifted off the ground, especially when the tip of the board is kept from making contact with the ground.
Procedure
A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
Manual
A handbook.
Procedure
That which results; issue; product.
Manual
A booklet that instructs on the usage of a particular machine or product.
The dishwasher isn't working; can you remember where we put the manual?
Procedure
A particular course of action intended to achieve a result;
The procedure of obtaining a driver's license
It was a process of trial and error
Manual
(military) A drill in the use of weapons, etc.
Procedure
A process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work;
The operations in building a house
Certain machine tool operations
Manual
An old office-book like the modern Roman Catholic ritual.
Procedure
A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
Manual
(countable) A device that is operated using the hands, or by a human rather than a machine.
Procedure
A mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings
Manual
(automotive) A manual transmission; a gearbox, especially of a motorized vehicle, shifted by the operator.
Manual
(by synecdoche) A vehicle with a manual transmission.
I'm not used to automatics; I've always driven manuals.
Manual
(music) A keyboard for the hands on a harpsichord, organ, or other musical instrument.
Manual
A manual typewriter (as contrasted with an electronic one).
Manual
(countable) A procedure or operation that is done using the hands, or by a human rather than machine.
Manual
A bicycle technique whereby the front wheel is held aloft by the rider, without the use of pedal force.
Manual
A similar maneuver on a skateboard, lifting the front or back wheels while keeping the tail or nose of the board from touching the ground.
Manual
(uncountable) Manual control or operation.
Put the controls to manual.
Leave the system on manual.
Manual
(of an activity) Performed with the hands.
Manual
(of a machine, device etc.) Operated by means of the hands.
Manual
Performed by a human rather than a machine.
The teacher urged the students to do a manual check, because some errors aren't picked up by the spell checker.
Manual
Of or pertaining to the hand.
Manual
Performed by a person using physical as contrasted with mental effort; as, manual labor.
Manual
Done or made by the hand. In some contexts, contrasted with automatic or mechanical.
Manual
A small book, such as may be carried in the hand, or conveniently handled; a handbook; specifically, the service book of the Roman Catholic Church.
This manual of laws, styled the Confessor's Laws.
Manual
A keyboard of an organ or harmonium for the fingers, as distinguished from the pedals; a clavier, or set of keys.
Manual
A prescribed exercise in the systematic handing of a weapon; as, the manual of arms; the manual of the sword; the manual of the piece (cannon, mortar, etc.).
Manual
A small handbook
Manual
(military) a prescribed drill in handling a rifle
Manual
Of or relating to the hands;
Manual dexterity
Manual
Requiring human effort;
A manual transmission
Manual
Doing or requiring physical work;
Manual labor
Manual laborer
Common Curiosities
What is a manual?
A manual is a comprehensive document that includes guidelines, instructions, and information on a particular subject, system, or equipment.
How does a procedure differ from a manual?
A procedure is focused on specific tasks with step-by-step instructions, while a manual is a broad document covering various guidelines, procedures, and information.
When would one use a procedure?
A procedure is used when there's a need for a consistent and efficient method to perform a specific task or process.
When is a manual necessary?
A manual is necessary when comprehensive information, guidelines, and instructions are required for understanding, operating, or troubleshooting a system or equipment.
Why might a manual be updated more frequently than a procedure?
Manuals may be updated more frequently to reflect changes in regulations, advancements in technology, or updates in procedures and guidelines.
How does a manual benefit a new user of a system or device?
A manual benefits new users by providing them with detailed information and instructions needed to understand, operate, and troubleshoot a system or device effectively.
Are procedures only found in manuals?
No, procedures can exist independently of manuals, provided as specific instructions for particular tasks.
Why are manuals important?
Manuals are important for ensuring proper use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of systems or equipment, providing users with comprehensive information.
Can a manual serve as a training tool?
Yes, manuals can serve as training tools by providing comprehensive information and instructions on various topics.
Can a manual contain procedures?
Yes, manuals often contain procedures as part of their comprehensive guidance on various topics.
What is a procedure?
A procedure is a set of specific steps designed to complete a particular task or process.
How often are procedures updated?
Procedures are updated as needed, usually when there are changes in the process or improvements to be made.
What format do procedures typically follow?
Procedures typically follow a straightforward, step-by-step format.
Can the absence of a manual affect the performance of a task?
Yes, the absence of a manual can affect the performance of a task, especially if the task requires comprehensive understanding or troubleshooting that procedures alone cannot provide.
Is a procedure enough to operate complex equipment?
A procedure provides specific steps for certain operations, but operating complex equipment may also require understanding the information provided in a manual.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
