What is a Runbook?

Runbook refers to a detailed, step-by-step document with standardized procedures and instructions that on-call personnel follow when diagnosing, containing, and resolving a specific alert or incident type.

While a traditional runbook often focuses on manual steps, the term is increasingly used interchangeably with “Playbook,” implying that portions of the workflow can be partially or fully automated.

Why Runbooks Are Important

Runbooks are crucial for standardizing response and maximizing efficiency during active incidents:

• Reduces Cognitive Load: Guides responders through high-stress situations so no critical step is missed.
• Accelerates MTTR: Provides immediate diagnostic and remediation actions, avoiding time spent debating the next move.
• Enables Delegation: Well-documented runbooks let less-experienced responders handle routine incidents, freeing senior engineers for complex work.

Common Challenges

• Stale Documentation: Procedures that fall out of sync with production systems cause confusion or mistakes when incidents hit.
• Lack of Structure: Overly long or poorly organized runbooks buried deep in wikis become unusable in a crisis.
• Treating Them as Static: Skipping runbook updates after a related incident misses critical lessons surfaced during postmortems.

How to Do It Right

• Automate Everything Possible: Use tooling to gather logs, execute diagnostics, and apply simple fixes automatically.
• Version Control: Store runbooks alongside code, require peer review for changes, and link them directly to the services they govern.
• Test and Validate: Run regular game days or tabletop exercises so responders practice using the runbooks and keep them accurate.