From Manual Processes to AI-Assisted SOPs: Exploring the Potential and Limitations of Generative AI

Organisations with limited resources increasingly face pressure to meet documentation requirements imposed by regulations, standards and certifi-cations while also striving to optimise operational efficiency. The creation and maintenance of technical documentation, particularly standard operating proce-dures (SOPs), demand time, domain expertise and structured writing skills. They are highly cooperative processes that require a team with interdisciplinary capa-bilities. Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) has emerged as a promising tool to support such efforts by automating content generation, enhancing consistency and reducing workloads. However, challenges remain regarding its accuracy, contextual relevance and adaptability to specific industrial environments. This study explored the integration of GAI into SOP development within the UCN Industrial Playground, which is a modular, practice-based learning factory envi-ronment. It investigated the potential of GAI-assisted SOP generation and the development of related competencies in professional education settings. A case-based approach was employed, involving students enrolled in programmes EQF levels 5–6 in which SOP work is integrated into the curriculum. Data were col-lected through the triangulation of three sequential questionnaires. The first ques-tionnaire identified baseline knowledge, the second evaluated post-lecture knowledge, and the final questionnaire assessed the potential of using GAI to generate SOPs. The analysis focused on students’ evolving understanding, skill development and reflections on the role of AI in documentation processes. The findings offer preliminary insights into how tools such as GAI can affect task performance and support structured documentation. The key study themes in-clude technology accessibility, perceived improvements in documentation qual-ity and the role of generative AI in enhancing cooperative workflows.