SIPOC (Supplier Input Process Output Customers)
A SIPOC diagram is a tool used by a team to identify all relevant elements
of a process improvement project before work begins. It helps define
a complex project that may not be well-scoped, and is typically employed
at the Measure phase of the Six Sigma Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control
(DMAIC) methodology. It is similar and related to Process Mapping
and 'In/Out Of Scope' tools, but provides additional details.
When Should You Use SIPOC?
The SIPOC tool is particularly useful when it is not clear:
- Who supplies inputs to the process?
- What specifications are placed on the inputs?
- Who are the true customers of the process?
- What are the requirements of the customers?
How Should You Use SIPOC?
SIPOC diagrams are very easy to complete. Here are the steps you should
follow:
- Create an area that will allow the team to post additions to the
SIPOC diagram. This could be a transparency (to be projected by an
overhead) made of the provided template, flip charts with headings
(S-I-P-O-C) written on each, or headings written on Post-It©
notes posted on the wall.
- Begin with the process. Map it in four to five high-level steps.
- Identify the outputs of this process.
- Identify the customers that will receive the outputs of this process.
- Identify the inputs required for the process to function properly.
- Identify the suppliers of the inputs that are required by the process.
- Optional: Identify the preliminary requirements
of the customers. This will be verified during a later step of the
six sigma measurement phase.
- Discuss with project sponsor, champion, and other involved stakeholders
for verification.
View
sample SIPOC Diagram
Source: http://www.isixsigma.com/tt/sipoc
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