What is the SIPOC DIAGRAM and how do you use it?

Motorola pioneered a new approach to quality control in the 1980s. Bill Smith and Mikel Harry, two engineers, were credited with developing Six Sigma. Ten years later, Jack Welch, then-CEO of General Electric, popularised the Six Sigma approach by incorporating it into GE’s business strategy.

Six Sigma methodology incorporates data-driven, statistics-based tools and techniques to facilitate better continuous improvement and process management. Read our previous blogs to learn more about Six Sigma. You’ll learn more about this cutting-edge methodology.

Now that you’ve learned what Six Sigma is from our previous blogs, let’s take a closer look at one of its most well-known techniques: the SIPOC model.

The Six Sigma methodology includes the SIPOC model. It is one of the oldest and most trusted techniques for mapping out critical business processes.

SIPOC — Introduction

“You can observe a lot just by watching”

~Yogi Berra

The quote above is perfectly aligned with SIPOC. The technique was introduced in the 1980s as part of Total Quality Management (TQM). It is a key component of the business management flow process.

Let’s decode the term SIPOC.

SIPOC appears to be an abbreviation of random letters, but it is written in a systematic manner that is relevant to its fundamentals. This provides those who are unfamiliar with the processes with a high-level understanding of the processes.

SIPOC stands for —

S – Suppliers

I – Inputs

P – Process

O – Outputs

C – Customers

The SIPOC is also known as a high-level process map (or bird’s eye view). This technique enables a team to view processes involving inputs, outputs, processes, suppliers, and customers. It provides a scope while displaying the process boundaries. As a result, the relationship between the SIPOC elements and the customers’ and their requirements can be identified.

SIPOC Diagram

A SIPOC diagram is a visual representation of a business process from beginning to end (before implementation). These diagrams are useful for focusing a discussion, assisting team members in developing a common language, and comprehending a continuous improvement process.

SIPOC is used in the Six Sigma process during the DEFINE phase of the DMAIC methodology. Some organisations use SIPOC diagrams in the opposite direction (COPIS) to map customer value to a business process.

How to create a SIPOC diagram?

Always start from the inside out when creating a SIPOC diagram. Begin with the process map in the centre. Also, follow the six steps outlined below:

Steps- https://6sigma.com/understanding-using-sipoc-diagram/

For more detailed information on