sipoc_resources

What is a SIPOC?
(In the US, pronounced "SIGH - POC")

A SIPOC is a tool that summarizes the inputs and outputs of one or more processes in table form. It is widely used in process design and improvement initiatives to identify relevant information before starting a project, and is considered to be a "best practices" since at least the mid-1980s. It continues to be used today in Six Sigma, lean manufacturing, software development, business process management, and business transformation efforts throughout the world.

The acronym SIPOC stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customer. Using information from these five areas creates a process map that gives a high-level overview of the project and its key elements..

You Tube Videos

There are loads of YouTube videos describing the SIPOC process. Here are a few whose content we think are useful to understanding the process.

SIPOC coffee example ( Bruce Miyashita): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36iiVltHrzo
SIPOC (Eugene O'Loughlin): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6ebq-fcyeE
SIPOC Tutorial (Kurt Hanft): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9K2Sz0OCOw
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Please note that there are differences of opinion on what to emphasize in a SIPOC, resulting differing views on the best approach to implementing the tool.

MCL's approach is to emphasize 1), the desired outputs (when everything is said and done, what you want to achieve), 2). the Customer (the individual or thing receiving the desired output), 3). the various process steps, and finally 4). the process inputs and 5). the input suppliers.

Some Other Notes:

• A SIPOC is not something that you do in a single, slap-dash approach.

The videos make the process appear deceptively simple. When done correctly, you will find yourself redefining various components of steps 1 - 3, before moving onto Steps 4
and 5. Even then, you may find yourself remembering a key element that you missed that will cause you to rethink your other SIPOC elements.

• Even if you are the sole proprietor of a small business, we highly recommend that you do not do your SIPOC alone!

Pick your spouse, a trusted employee, or a valued customer to do it with you, You want several pairs of eyes and ears participating in the process.

• We strongly recommend using Post-its as demonstrated in the Kurt Hanft video, before recording your SIPOC permanently.

• You can easily make your own SIPOC diagram, but one good source for electronic SIPOC templates that we have found is
at: sipoc.info ..

Other Resources

Business Analyst Learnings: SIPOC-Diagram: Scoping, Process Definition, & Improvement
American Society for Quality (ASQ): SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) Diagram
American Society for Quality (ASQ): SIPOC+CM Diagram
Creative Safety Supply: Understanding the SIPOC Diagram in Six Sigma