ABB Basic Quality Tools Series

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

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0121 15 July 2010, Slide 1

SIPOC - Content
What 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
S Suppliers I Inputs P Process O Outputs C Customers

Visually documenting the sequence of events required to produce a

specific outcome.

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

5 - 7 major steps

Where could 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

Start

End

How do I use it?

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.

Risks and how to avoid them

Example
ABB Group 9AKK105151D0121 15 July 2010, Slide 2

SIPOC - What is it for?

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.

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.

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0121 15 July 2010, Slide 3

SIPOC - Where could I use it?

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.

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0121 15 July 2010, Slide 4

SIPOC - How do I use it?

Procedure and Guidance Notes:
Define the process boundaries Identify the key process steps Identify Key Outputs and Customers Identify Key Inputs and Suppliers

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.

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

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. Brainstorm inputs and suppliers If you have a lot of inputs and suppliers, 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.

Assign Input types

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

Helps to understand where variation can come from

Verify the map and scope

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0121 15 July 2010, Slide 5

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.

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0121 15 July 2010, Slide 6

SIPOC Example

S
Suppliers
End Customer

I
Inputs
Signed copy of the Purchase order from customer
Procedure for order booking process

P
Process
C

O
Outputs
Sale order number Order Indent

C
Customers
Project Manager and Project execution team

Full Cost Model

P Customer order booking Order backlog projection

Major process steps

Start
15 July 2010, Slide 7

Create sale order/ Project definition in SAP

Create order indent & Full Cost Model (FCM)

Carry-out costing Of Each line item in the Sale order

Seek FCM approval

Transfer the Order with all documents to execution team

End

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0121