SIPOC

People working in the field of Process improvement must be known to the term “SIPOC”. But, for those who are unaware of it, you guys are at the right place.

How to Pronounce SIPOC

Pronunciation: sigh pock (SIPOC)

SIPOC stands for

Principle: SIPOC is the Six Sigma tool used to visually represent a “High Level Process Map”. The acronym stands for:

S- Supplier

I- Inputs

P- Process

O- Outputs

C- Customer

Difference between SIPOC and Process map

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The tool is called “High Level Process Map” because, unlike other processes wherein we put every requirement of the process and also more detailing is done, SIPOC only offers the brief level of information in form of Suppliers, Input, Process, Output and Customers.

The major difference between other maps and SIPOC is the addition of Suppliers and Customers. And we know, how much importance the Customers have in Lean Six Sigma concept.

Because of the gravity of Customers in Six Sigma, many organizations use the opposite acronym i.e. COPIS, giving customers and their values more priority.

SIPOC definition

Let us see, the five areas which SIPOC covers:

SIPOC and Six Sigma

Almost every time, SIPOC is used in the “Define” phase of DMAIC, as it gives clear idea to the audience regarding the brief process, before continuing to the detailed part.

Benefits of SIPOC

• Helps to identify Strength, weakness, threats and opportunities in the process
• It provides an overall viewpoint of the process
• Helps to identify whole process in a go
• To update or refresh the memories of the people known to process but faded
• Helps to train new employees
• Increases transparency in the industry

Information we gets from SIPOC analysis

• By letting know, the scope of the process
• What is the start and end point in the process?
• What are the inputs and outputs of the process?
• Potential customers
• Potential Suppliers
• What are the customers’ demands?

How to create SIPOC diagram

Step I

There are many approaches to make SIPOC, but the general rule is to start with the process step.

Note: Try not to exceed the process steps more than 7.

Let us take an example of making A Cup of Tea

Step II

Identify all the outputs of the process.

In this case, it will be a cup of tea.

Step III

Identify all the potential customers for the Tea

Step IV

Check out all the Inputs that we need to successfully implement the procedure

Step V

The final step would be to identify all the suppliers that can help to supply the necessary items listed in inputs column

Step VI

The final step will be to share the diagram with all the stakeholders to evaluate and make any necessary changes.

Conclusion

Here, we can see that the High Level Process Map is completed. One can easily identify the brief process to prepare Tea. In addition to it, any changes to be made can be known just by the glimpse at the process.

However, this is just a simple example that one can take back and begin their own SIPOC diagram.

In Industries, Shopping malls, Service sectors and many more, one can easily prepare this diagram without any prior knowledge of Six Sigma or Lean Management to understand the process and do Gap analysis.

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About the Author

Jay Desai has over 4 years of experience in Lean Six Sigma, Operations Management and Production Engineering. A post graduate in Computer Integrated Manufacturing from Nirma University. He has successfully delivered Lean deployment, training and project coaching at many levels within customers organization as well as delivered educational programmes.

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