S.I.P.O.C. means Suppliers-Inputs-Process-Outputs-Customers.

This tool used to identify all elements of a process before its begin as a project. It has high level flowchart of a process and lists all suppliers, inputs, outputs and customers. It provides bird’s eye view of the process elements.

SIPOC is six sigma tool that helps to define the specific portion of the overall business process that is targeted for improvements for the project. SIPOC applies mapping to sub processes until arriving at that part of the process allocated for improvement. It is very helpful at the start of the project, when the key elements of the project yet to be defined. The best part of it is when information is not clear about what the process inputs and outputs are, and who the suppliers and customers are, at that time it helps business to manage its initial phase with best speed.

Key Steps in creating a SIPOC diagram

A: Set up an entire working surface that will enable the team to create the SIPOC diagram.

B: Identify the final process. Create a macro process map.

C: Identify all key outputs of the process. Attach them on the working surface.

D: Identify the customers who receive these key outputs. Again keep them separately recorded.

E: Do identify the inputs that the process needs for it to function properly.

F: Identify the input’s suppliers. Again keep them separately recorded.

G: Review the work to edit omissions, unclear phrases, documentation, duplications etc.

H: Design and draw complete SIPOC diagram.

SIPOC can be used as tool and solution both according to the requirement format. It works as formula too to get high speed execution for innitial phase.

– Vision Raval