SIPOC is a high level process map and is explained here with a SIPOC diagram example. Learn how to create SIPOC for your project in 7 simple steps.

SIPOC stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers. This is designed to be a high level process view with 6-7 process steps displayed. This helps the team to view the process together with all the important components.

S – Supplier : The person or organization providing resources (manpower, material, information or service) to the process

I – Input : Information, material, service or manpower

P – Process : The set of steps/activities that transform the inputs into outputs

O – Output : The final product or service resulting from the process

C – Customer : The person, organization or process that receives the output

When we start a six sigma project or any other type of project or we start a process study, SIPOC will always be helpful. In a DMAIC project we create SIPOC as part of the project charter itself to give an overview of the process.

Use of SIPOC is not limited to DMAIC only as stated above. If we reverse SIPOC then it becomes COPIS, which we use for new process designs.

SIPOC helps to identify the process boundaries and well defined start and stop points. It also helps to identify key stakeholders i.e. Suppliers and customers. It will also help the team to identify data collection needs. SIPOC helps everyone see the business from an overall process perspective by :

Displaying cross- functional activities in simple diagrams

Providing framework applicable to processes of all sizes

Providing methods for adding additional details as needed

Helps the cross functional team to understand process approach and interdependencies

Before we get into creating a SIPOC or COPIS, we need to understand the Process approach. People who are not familiar with this term needs to understand this before they can create their SIPOC diagram.

What is a Process

In simple words, a process is a set of interrelated activities which transform inputs into outputs with the objective of adding some value.

Let us take example of a simple Recruitment process, Recruitment team gets a list of vacancies or requirement from Operations and other functions. Now the process starts, once they get the requirement they start the activities.

The activities may include advertising on portals, going to job fairs or contacting vendors. After shortlisting, interviews will get conducted. There could be many more steps or activities in the process.

Post selection, selected candidates would be handed over to respective functions. So, selected candidates would be outputs from the process.

Similarly you can think of many such processes in your domain, organization and even at home. If you look around and try to figure out the process, you will understand that most of the things are done as per some process.

You will find that while many processes are defined and documented but many are not documented. We create SIPOC before going into creating detailed process maps.

Now that you understand the process, input and output variables, you can create your own SIPOC diagram. I discussed this here because without understanding the concept of process approach, you will find it difficult to visualize your problem area to create SIPOC diagram.

Step1 : Create it along with the team, a meeting room with wall space can be used to display the process steps. Post- it- notes can be used to map the process.

Step2 : Header:

Name the process and identify the Scope, Start and Stop points

Step3 : Under Process column:

List the high-level process steps

The process step must begin with a verb.

Don’t create a detailed map; should be 6 steps or less

Step4 : Under Outputs column:

List the tangible, measurable Outputs produced from the process and relevant to the problem at hand.

Step5 : Under Customers column

List the Customers who receive these Outputs

Step6 : Under Inputs column:

List the tangible, measurable Inputs required to produce the Outputs.

Step7 :Under Supplier column:

List the Suppliers who supply the Inputs to the process

Order that has to be followed while preparing SIPOC is COPIS

Start with Customer in focus, Outputs of concern, Process followed, Inputs to the process and their Suppliers