What Is Sipoc

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SIPOC

Suppliers Inputs Process


O
Outputs Customers

I P O
S resources needed
activities are products or services C
Who supplies the carried out to are created by (or Who are the
or provided by the
materials/inputs ? created value for result from) the customers?
supplier?
the customer? process?
What is SIPOC

SIPOC stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and


Customers. It's a visual representation used to
comprehensively understand and communicate a
process's flow and relationships. Originating from the
world of Six Sigma, SIPOC serves as a foundational tool in
process improvement and quality management
SIPOC Components
1- Suppliers: These are the sources that provide the necessary
ingredients for a process. Suppliers can be internal
departments, external vendors, or even environmental factors.
For instance, in a manufacturing process, suppliers might be
raw material providers.

2- Inputs: These are the resources or materials that are fed


into the process. Inputs are what's needed to kick-start a
process. In a coffee brewing process, for example, the inputs
would be water, coffee beans, and a coffee machine.
SIPOC Components
3- Process: This is the heart of SIPOC. It's a sequence of
activities that transforms inputs into outputs. In a SIPOC
diagram, this is often distilled into a few high-level steps to
avoid overwhelming detail. For instance, for a customer
service process, steps might include "Receive Call," "Identify
Issue," "Resolve Issue," and "Close Call."

4- Outputs: These are the end products or results that emerge


from the process. Sticking with the coffee example, the output
would be a cup of brewed coffee.
SIPOC Components

5- Customers: These are the entities or individuals who receive


or benefit from the outputs. In a business setting, customers
can be internal teams, external clients, or even end consumers.
When and Why to Use SIPOC

1- Clarifying Process Boundaries: SIPOC helps teams


understand the starting and ending points of a process,
ensuring everyone is aligned on scope.

2- Initiating Process Improvement: Before diving into detailed


process mapping or improvement activities, SIPOC offers a
high-level view, helping teams identify potential areas of
focus.
When and Why to Use SIPOC

3- Onboarding & Training: For team members unfamiliar with


a process, SIPOC serves as an excellent introduction, providing
a snapshot without overwhelming with details.

4- Stakeholder Communication: When you need to explain a


process to stakeholders, a SIPOC diagram can be an effective
communication tool.
SIPOC Diagram

1- Start with the Process: Identify the core process you're


focusing on. This should be a broad overview, like "Order
Fulfillment" or "Software Development."

2- Determine Outputs & Customers: Before diving into what


feeds the process, understand what comes out of it. Who are
the beneficiaries or recipients of the end product?

3- Identify Inputs & Suppliers: Now, work backward from the


process. What resources are essential to drive this process, and
where do they come from?
SIPOC Diagram

4- Map High-Level Process Steps: In the SIPOC diagram's


central section, outline the primary activities or stages of the
process. This should be a concise representation, capturing
the essence without diving into minutiae.

5- Iterate and Refine: Engage with stakeholders, process


participants, and experts. Gather feedback and make necessary
adjustments to ensure the SIPOC diagram is accurate and
valuable
Conclusion

SIPOC diagram is a high-level tool. It's not meant to capture


detailed process steps or nuances. Instead, it provides a bird's-
eye view to ensure everyone has a shared understanding of a
process and its context

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