9akk105151d0121_sipoc

SIPOCDocument the top level process steps in any process for a product or service.

ABB Basic Quality Tools Series

© ABB Group 9AKK105151D0121

15 July 2010, Slide 1

SIPOC - ContentWhat is it for?

• SIPOC = Supplier – Input – Process – Output – Customer

• The SIPOC process map is a useful process mapping tool for giving a clear top level overview of any process to be improved

• Visually documenting the sequence of events required to produce a specific outcome.

• It gathers important details about the start and end of a process

Where could I use it?

How do I use it?

• To document and standardize the outline process.

• SIPOC is useful for understanding what process outputs need to be tracked in Q1 – Measure

Risks and how to avoid them

• Identify the output generated by the process.

• Map the top level 5-7 stages of the process only

• Record / Brainstorm Inputs, Outputs, Customers and Suppliers for each stage.

• Verify accuracy of map with individuals involved in the process.

Example

Suppliers Inputs Outputs CustomersProcess

SS

II

PP

OO

CC

StartStart

EndEnd

5 - 7 major steps



Expected Benefits:

• A clear overview of the top level stages of the process, with identified inputs, outputs, suppliers and customers is identified and agreed to by the improvement team. This promotes a consistent understanding of the process to be investigated.

• Gives clarity on the scope of the process to be investigated at an early stage in the project.

Uses of this tool:

• SIPOC is used to create a visual diagram of the sequential flow of process steps with clearly defined Inputs, Outputs, Suppliers and Customers.

• It gathers important details about the start and end of the process.

• SIPOC is a building block to create an overview Process Map to clarify the process scope. Later it can be used as a basis for a more detailed process map.

SIPOC - What is it for?



Background:

• The start of an improvement project requires common understanding of process scope and boundaries, which may not exist.

• Where multiple stakeholders are involved, there may be variations in how the process and project scope is viewed.

• SIPOC process maps give a high level view of the process steps as well as defining key factors – inputs, outputs, customers and suppliers.

Uses:

• Document the top level process steps for a high level view of the process.

• Understand the sequence of actions taken in a process.

• Understand and communicate the Inputs, Outputs, Customers and Suppliers of the overall process and its 4 to 7 major steps.

• Use as a starting point for agreeing boundaries and scope of an improvement project.

SIPOC - Where could I use it?



SIPOC - How do I use it?

Define the process

boundaries

Define the process

boundaries

Procedure and Guidance Notes:• Identify the start and finish of the process. Be very specific about where the SIPOC

(process) starts and ends. This should tie in with the project scope.

Identify Key Outputs and Customers

Identify Key Outputs and Customers

• Understand the outputs and customers for each step.• Brainstorm outputs and customers• If you have a lot of outputs and customers, focus on the key/critical

ones.

Information that you record in this step will be used to create the diagram that represents the process to be improved, so take care to fully understand each step.

Identify Key Inputs and Suppliers

Identify Key Inputs and Suppliers

• Brainstorm inputs and suppliers• If you have a lot of inputs and suppliers, focus on the key/critical ones.

Verify the map and scope

Verify the map and scope

• Discuss the map with personnel involved in the process.• The SIPOC is often used at the start of an improvement project to

define the scope of process being reviewed. Use it to verify understanding with the team and Sponsor

Identify the key process steps

Identify the key process steps

• Keep activities at a top level – perhaps 5 to 7 steps or key activities• Steps can be recorded with Post Its or by using a spreadsheet

Steps can be recorded with Post Its or by using a spreadsheet

Assign Input typesAssign Input types

• Inputs can be of these types:• Controllable (C)• Procedural (P)• Noise (N)

Helps to understand where variation can come from



SIPOC- Risks and how to avoid them

Risks :• Too much detail can confuse and eliminate impact of

clear simple process map.

• Process boundaries (start and end points) are not clearly understood and defined.

• Customers and Suppliers are not relevant for each of the process steps in turn.

• Map does not portray the actual current situation.

• Steps and factors are not correctly identified, leading to wrong conclusions.

Steps to avoid them :• Only show the 4 to 7 top level process steps in the

SIPOC. Be careful about the level of detail.

• Decide in the beginning the start and end points of the process .

• Consider Suppliers and Customers for each step. Remember customers can be internal as well as external

• Involve personnel who are performing the work in the creation and verification of the SIPOC map.

• Ensure the SIPOC shows a balance of all factors – Inputs, Outputs, Customers and Suppliers for each process step.



SIPOC – Example

Customer order booking

Sale order number

Order Indent

Full Cost Model

Order backlog projection

Signed copy of the Purchase order from customer

Procedure for order booking process

C

P

End Customer Project Manager and Project execution team

Major process steps

StartCreate sale order/Project definitionin SAP

Create order indent& Full Cost Model(FCM)

Carry-out costingOf Each line itemin the Sale order

Seek FCM approval

Transfer the Orderwith all documents to execution team

End

Suppliers Inputs Outputs CustomersProcess

S I P O C



Documents

9akk105151d0121_sipoc