Opening and closing procedures checklist

An opening and closing checklist that matches the building today.

Opening and closing are when a site is most exposed. This checklist is what those procedures must confirm so the first and last person follow the same, current steps every time.

Run a free SOP audit See what gets missed
Stale contactsNames and numbers that no longer reach the right person
Drifted stepsInstructions that assume an old layout or system
Missing ownerNo one accountable for keeping it current
The checklist

What a opening and closing procedures checklist should confirm.

01

Sequence

The exact order of unlock, disarm, check, and arm steps.

02

All-clear signals

How staff confirm it is safe to open or that the site is empty.

03

Alarm steps

How the system is armed and disarmed, and what to do on a fault.

04

Cash and assets

How money and high-value items are secured.

05

Final checks

Doors, lights, and equipment verified before lock-up.

06

Contacts

Who to call for a duress signal or a failed open.

What gets missed

The same handful of failures show up again and again.

These are the items a checklist catches and a quick read usually does not.

Old all-clear

A signal tied to a manager who left

Wait for the all-clear from Branch Manager Susan before unlocking.
Changed alarm

Arm steps for a panel that was replaced

Arm the system on the keypad by the back door.
Moved safe

A drop step for a safe that moved

Walk the closing drop to the safe behind the desk.
Stale callout

A duress contact that changed

On a duress open, call the regional desk at the old number.
Common questions

Frequently asked questions.

What should an opening and closing checklist cover?

The step sequence, all-clear signals, alarm arming and disarming, cash and asset security, final checks, and duress contacts.

Why do opening and closing SOPs go stale?

Managers, panels, and safes change, and the all-clear signals and callouts fall out of date.

Can SOP Live audit opening and closing procedures?

Yes. SOP Live reviews one SOP for free and flags stale signals, changed alarm steps, and contacts that no longer reach anyone.

Run this checklist on your own SOP.

Upload one SOP and SOP Live checks it against this list for free — stale contacts, vague steps, and missing owners.

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