SIPOC is a Six Sigma tool that summarizes an entire process at the start of an improvement project. SIPOC can be used to clearly identify process steps within a process chain. A SIPOC diagram is only a snapshot of a process. Each of the letters in SIPOC represent the names of the columns in the table:
S – Supplier, I – Input, P – Process, O – Output, C – Customer.
The SIPOC method has its origins in Six-Sigma and is used there in the definition phase of a project. To have it summarized see the following infographic:
By applying this method, it is possible to quickly gain an overview of all the main elements of a process to be examined, even before more in-depth details are worked out.
SIPOC is a very simple and at the same time very effective method that can also be used in various situations in the lean management context.
Possible applications of a SIPOC can be:
- Starting a KAIZEN workshop in order to create a common basic understanding.
- To achieve a quick overview (top level) for subsequent process optimization
- Simple type of documentation for existing processes
- Identification of important process participants (who must attend the KAIZEN workshop)
- Definition of the process steps to be investigated within a process chain
How to use SIPOC:
The SIPOC method can be used in many different forms, such as Excel spreadsheets, handwritten tables on flip charts or brownpaper versions using cards or post-it notes.
The easiest way is to start by listing the process steps. No more than 5-7 process steps should be listed, since the SIPOC method is not about carrying out a detailed process analysis, but only about gaining a rough overview.
It often makes sense to note down on the process card those departments or persons who carry out the process for the respective process steps, so that it can be recognized immediately who is responsible for the process.
Input: which input factors are necessary to perform the process step? This could be material, information, machines or a service.
Supplier: who provides these input factors? Do they come from an external supplier or from an internal supplier – perhaps as the output of a previous process step in the process chain?
Output: what is produced as a result in the respective process step. These can be material things such as components, assemblies or finished products, or intangible things such as processed information in the form of a document – e.g. a static calculation or an order confirmation.
Customer: for whom the result was actually produced. Make a distinction between external and internal customers. If no customer is found for the output size, it must be checked whether the process step makes sense at all.
