Operating Standards describe the process outcomes or end state after a transition.

The end state should usually be defined as a target and a tolerance.

For example an operating standard for charging explosives may be:

 - A minimum of 95% of holes are to be loaded to design kilograms +/- 10% and

 - All holes with less than the minimum stemming are to be recorded and reviewed in regards the planned clearance distance.

The operating standard does not define the steps to complete the process, rather it just defines the required outcomes.

Operating standards are appropriate when the outcomes are critical but the exact sequence to deliver this is not critical.