> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theheadroomhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# SOP Archaeology Decision Matrix
- URL: https://www.theheadroomhq.com/sop-archaeology-decision-matrix/
- Published: 2026-06-05T04:41:21.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-30T06:17:33.000Z
- Description: This page explains SOP Archaeology Decision Matrix and its relevance to business operations.
- Author: Headroom Editorial Team
- Tags: Glossary, D01 - Process Documentation Coverage, D09 - Onboarding Effectiveness, D04 - Team Structure Clarity

## D01 - Process Documentation Coverage

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### Definition

A scored evaluation tool that determines, for each existing SOP, whether it should be kept as-is, edited, or replaced entirely, based on usability, ownership, format, and location quality, before any revision time is invested

The most common documentation mistake is editing a document that has a structural failure, producing a better-worded version of the same unusable artifact. 

The decision matrix forces the keep/edit/replace question before any time is spent on the content itself.

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### Indicators

- Documentation projects in your organization have stalled after realizing how much editing each document requires.
- Documents have been 'revised,' but the new-hire test still produces failures.
- No scoring method exists for evaluating an existing document before deciding how to respond to it.

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### Quick Win

- Pick one struggling SOP.
- Ask: "Is the content wrong, or is the format/ownership/location wrong?"
- If it's the latter, replace the SOP rather than editing it.

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### Assess

- [Take the HQ Score Assessment](https://www.theheadroomhq.com/hq-score/)

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### Learn

- [Issue 01: The Single Owner SOP System](https://www.theheadroomhq.com/issue-01-the-single-owner-sop-system/)

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### Apply

- [The SOP Library Audit and Rebuild Kit](https://theheadroomhq.gumroad.com/l/the-sop-library-audit-and-rebuild-kit??ref=theheadroomhq.com)

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### Related

- [Process Tier](https://www.theheadroomhq.com/process-tier/)
- [New-Hire Test](https://www.theheadroomhq.com/new-hire-test/)
- [Process Archaeology](https://www.theheadroomhq.com/process-archaelogy/)
- [Single Owner Principle](https://www.theheadroomhq.com/single-owner-principle/)