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SIPOC
Vânia Lourenço avatar
Written by Vânia Lourenço
Updated over 2 months ago

Introduction

As adults, we have come to learn the importance of conciseness and brevity, especially the implication in a business setting. During a sales pitch or a seminar, people are only concerned with the cause of the problem and the crux of the solution. SIPOC is a tool which strictly adheres to this principle.

What is SIPOC?

Adopting a tabular form of presentation, SIPOC allows you to summarize the input and results of certain processes. SIPOC is an acronym for Suppliers, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, and Customers. It is sometimes referred to as COPIS.

Defining the Parameters of SIPOC

Now, you know what the word represents, what is the definition of each term?

  1. Supplier- This is the organization which provides the input to the process

  2. Input- This includes the raw materials, the information, and other human resources needed to ensure that the process is accomplished.

  3. Process- This encompasses the way in which the input is being converted to output

  4. Output- This is the outcome of the process

  5. Customer- The group people who enjoy the output

What is SIPOC Used for?

SIPOC offers a plethora of benefits, some of them are listed below.

  1. SIPOC provides you with a high-level overview of the process, irrespective of your knowledge base.

  2. SIPOC reacquaints you with processes and strategies which might have been forgotten because of time.

  3. SIPOC helps you define a new process clearly and sufficiently.

The Importance of SIPOC Diagrams

Process mapping is the underlying concept of SIPOC diagrams. In essence, it clearly defines the goals of a company and then describes the process required for these goals to be accomplished.

SIPOC diagrams also ensure that every member of your team is on the same page.

SIPOC helps you identify inputs which are extraneous, outputs which are not needed, and processes which are not optimal.

Real Life Example of SIPOC

Let’s imagine a scenario where you are to start a shoe manufacturing business. Using SIPOC, we can safely make the following assertions.

Supplier- The manufacturers of soles, leather, and rubber.

Input- The rubber, lace, sole, gum etc.

Process- How the shoe is being made using the suppliers

Output- The beautiful shoe you just made.

Customer- Your patrons.

Conclusion

This sounds all too easy, right? Actually, that’s the plan. The process of production should be as simple and accessible as possible. This will save cost, save time, and maximize input. Need help? Request a Fusion Operations expert to contact you here.

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