SIPOC Diagram

Agenda
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. SIPOC Defined How can SIPOC be used? How It Works An Example In-class Exercise Summary

SIPOC Defined
SIPOC is an acronym standing for 1. S = Supplier(s) 2. I = Input(s) & key requirements 3. P = Process 4. O = Output(s) & key requirements 5. C = Customer(s)

SIPOC Diagram Defined

A SIPOC Diagram is a visual representation of a high-level process map; including suppliers & inputs into the process and outputs & customers of the process Visually communicates the scope of a project

How can SIPOC be used?

SIPOC Diagrams help a team and its sponsor(s) agree on project boundaries and scope A SIPOC helps teams verify that
inputs match outputs of upstream processes outputs match inputs of downstream processes

How can SIPOC be used in an organization?

SIPOC is a precursor to creating more detailed process maps and value-stream maps

How a SIPOC works

Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers

Step 1: Begin with the high-level process map

Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers

Step 1
Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

Step 2: List all of the outputs from the process

Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs
Examples Services Products Reports Metrics Raw data

Customers

Step 1
Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

Step 3: Identify the customers receiving the outputs

Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs
Examples Services Products Reports Metrics Raw data

Customers
Examples Internal External Vendors End users Management Downstream Process

Step 1
Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

Step 4: List all of the inputs into the process

Suppliers Inputs
Examples Data Parts Application Raw materials

Process

Outputs
Examples Services Products Reports Metrics Raw data

Customers
Examples Internal External Vendors End users Management Downstream Process

Step 1
Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

Step 5: Identify the suppliers of the process inputs

Suppliers
Examples Internal External Vendors Producers Management Upstream Process

Inputs
Examples Data Parts Application Raw materials

Process

Outputs
Examples Services Products Reports Metrics Raw data

Customers
Examples Internal External Vendors End users Management Downstream Process

Step 1
Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

An Example Process: Mowing the Lawn

Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers

Step 1: Begin with the high-level process map

Suppliers Inputs Process
Prepare Lawn for mowing Mow the Lawn Trim the Lawn Clean-up & Removal

Outputs

Customers

Step 2: List all of the outputs from the process

Suppliers Inputs Process
Prepare Lawn for mowing Mow the Lawn Trim the Lawn Clean-up & Removal

Outputs
Debris from lawn
Beautiful lawn Bagged grass clippings Happy customer

Customers

Step 3: Identify the customers receiving the output

Suppliers Inputs Process
Prepare Lawn for mowing Mow the Lawn Trim the Lawn Clean-up & Removal

Outputs
Debris from lawn
Beautiful lawn Bagged grass clippings Happy customer

Customers
Homeowner
Yard waste recycler

Step 4: List all of the inputs into the process

Suppliers Inputs
Long lawn
Lawnmower Trimmer

Process
Prepare Lawn for mowing Mow the Lawn Trim the Lawn Clean-up & Removal

Outputs
Debris from lawn
Beautiful lawn Bagged grass clippings Happy customer

Customers
Homeowner
Yard waste recycler

Gasoline
Yard waste bags Rake & broom

Step 5: Identify the suppliers of the process inputs

Suppliers
Homeowner
Home Depot Chevron

Inputs
Long lawn
Lawnmower Trimmer

Process
Prepare Lawn for mowing Mow the Lawn Trim the Lawn Clean-up & Removal

Outputs
Debris from lawn
Beautiful lawn Bagged grass clippings Happy customer

Customers
Homeowner
Yard waste recycler

Gasoline
Yard waste bags Rake & broom

Reference Materials
Michael L. George, David Rowlands, Mark Price, John Maxey. The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005. Scott A Laman, Elizabeth Burns, Kathy L Lynn. ASQ Certification Board Puts Quality Tools to Work. Quality Progress. Milwaukee: Mar 2007. Vol. 40, Iss. 3; pg. 54, 9 pgs Kerri Simon. SIPOC Diagram. http://www.isixsigma.com/library/content/c010429a.asp Bryan Carey and J. DeLayne Stroud. SIPOC Leads to Process Mapping and Project Selection. http://finance.isixsigma.com/library/content/c060322a.asp David Rasmusson. The SIPOC Picture Book: A Visual Guide to the SIPOC/DMAIC Relationship. Wisconsin: Oriel Incorporated, 2006.