Transcript SIPOC Quick Reference Card What is SIPOC? SIPOC is a tool used to identify the elements of a process that are relevant to.

SIPOC
Quick Reference Card
What is SIPOC?
SIPOC is a tool used to identify the elements of a process that are relevant to a
process improvement project. It is a valuable tool for scoping a mapping effort
and can be used to identify quick improvements. SIPOC is an acronym for:
• Suppliers: Providers of input to the process
• Inputs: Resources required by the process
• Process: The activity sequence that transforms inputs into outputs
• Outputs: Delivered products or services
• Customers: Stakeholders who demand requirements of outputs
How is it used?
SIPOC is intended for use at the beginning of a process improvement project,
where it is important to gain an understanding of high-level needs. This will
assist in determining scope and establishing consensus.
1.
Determine a name for the process, using a verb-noun format (such as
“recruit staff.”
2.
Determine outputs of the process. These are defined as tangible materials
that are a result of the process, such as a report.
3.
Determine customers of the process. These individuals consume the
outputs and every output identified should be matched with a customer.
4.
Determine inputs to the process. These are items that kick off the process,
which are often tangible as well (such as a customer request).
5.
Determine suppliers to the process. These individuals supply the inputs and
every input identified should be matched with a supplier. In some
processes, the supplier and customer are the same person.
6.
Define the sub-processes of the main process. These are the tasks that are
performed to transform the inputs into outputs.
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Additional Details
The basic requirements of the SIPOC are creating definitions for the five key
functions outlined previously. However, there are several other elements that
can be defined to make the SIPOC more useful.
• Process Purpose: Define the reason for the process to exist, which should
explain how it benefits the organization.
• Process Owner: This individual is responsible for the end-to-end process.
• Start and End Points: These are the first and last tasks in the process (may not
apply to all processes).
• Boundaries: These are constraints to scope for this process. Boundaries can
also determine if more than one process map is necessary.
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