MSP Business

IT Operations Manual Templates - How to get started

1 November, 2016

We've written up a few posts about creating an IT Operations Manual for your business. However, sometimes it's easier to create something when you have an example, so we've scoured the web for some IT operations manual templates that you can use to help get started.

Now, some of these don't specifically relate to IT, but they're still a useful model to use when studying the art of creating an operations manual.

Some of the IT templates, on the other hand, are heavy on the IT and don't mention any other aspects that should belong in an operations manual, such as personnel and inventory policies.

But you've got to start somewhere.

Thumb through a few of these templates to give yourself some ideas and inspiration when writing the IT operations manual for your business.

IT operations manual templates

The Wall Street Journal - "How to Write an Operations Manual"

Although not strictly a template, this article is a good overview on how to get started writing an IT operations manual. Trying to encapsulate your business into written form might be a little daunting at first, but the article gives some suggestions on how you can break down your business practices and incorporate them into the written page.

Klariti.com - Operations Manual Template

You've got to shell out a few bucks ($9.99 to be exact) for this operations manual template, but it's got all the basics, including Inventory Reports, System Information Reports, Setup and Diagnostic Procedures and other standard operations manual features. In addition, it comes with a number of Excel spreadsheets that help you to map out Responsibility Matrices, Daily Tasks and Daily Operations Checklists.

USDA - Operations Manual Template

This operations manual from the United States Department of Agriculture might be a little more comprehensive than what you're looking for, but it's a good example of a well-fleshed out operations plan. It's in PDF format, so you can't modify it for your own use, but this will show you some key features of operations manuals, such as chapters on Systems Operations, Site Operations, and other procedures.

System Administration Operations Manual - State of New Mexico

Another system administration specific IT manual. This manual is also in Word format and ready to be filled in with your system specific information. It also includes separate sections for server startup and shutdown, development tools, user profiles and databases.

Get the information down

All these templates might seem daunting at first, but don't let that put you off. The most important part of creating an IT operations manual is just getting the job started. These manuals can be as long or as short as you see fit. As long as you've got the important information about your day-to-day operations written down, you're on the right track.