sipoc-diagram

SIPOC Diagram In A Nutshell

In a SIPOC diagram, high-level process maps are used as simple yet effective illustration tools. Project leaders use them to quickly explain expectations and provide common reference points to all project team members. SIPOC diagrams are also helpful in identifying problem areas offering little value.

SIPOC Diagram ElementDescriptionImplicationsKey CharacteristicsExamplesApplications
SuppliersSuppliers are external entities or sources that provide inputs to the process.– Identifies the sources of materials, information, or resources required for the process.– External entities or organizations supplying inputs to the process.– Raw material suppliers for a manufacturing process. – Data providers for an analytics process.– Process Improvement: Identify and evaluate suppliers’ performance to ensure a consistent and reliable input supply. – Supply Chain Management: Assess the reliability and effectiveness of suppliers in the production chain. – Procurement: Evaluate potential suppliers for sourcing decisions.
InputsInputs represent the materials, information, data, or resources required to initiate and execute the process.– Identifies the specific items or information needed for the process to function effectively.– Tangible or intangible elements necessary for process execution.– Raw materials for a manufacturing process. – Customer orders for an order fulfillment process.– Process Documentation: Document the inputs required for each process step to ensure clarity and consistency. – Process Analysis: Analyze the quality and relevance of inputs for process efficiency and effectiveness. – Resource Planning: Assess input availability and allocation to optimize resource utilization.
ProcessThe process encompasses the series of steps or activities that transform inputs into desired outputs.– Describes the workflow, tasks, and procedures involved in producing the desired outputs.– Sequential or parallel activities that drive the process.– Assembly line manufacturing process. – Customer support ticket resolution process.– Process Mapping: Create visual representations of the process flow to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement. – Process Automation: Automate repetitive tasks within the process to enhance efficiency. – Quality Control: Monitor process steps to ensure output quality meets standards.
OutputsOutputs are the end results or deliverables produced by the process, which fulfill customer requirements.– Identifies the products, services, or information delivered to customers as a result of the process.– Tangible goods, services, or data generated by the process.– Manufactured products from a production process. – Financial reports from an accounting process.– Customer Satisfaction: Evaluate the quality and relevance of outputs to meet customer expectations and needs. – Performance Metrics: Measure and analyze output performance for process improvement. – Reporting: Generate and deliver outputs to stakeholders as required.
CustomersCustomers are the recipients or end-users of the process outputs who benefit from the delivered results.– Identifies who receives and uses the outputs and their expectations and needs.– Internal or external entities that utilize the process outputs.– End consumers purchasing products from a retail process. – Marketing team receiving market research reports from a data analysis process.– Customer-Centric Design: Tailor processes to meet customer demands and expectations effectively. – Quality Assurance: Assess output quality to ensure it aligns with customer requirements. – Service Delivery: Deliver outputs to customers efficiently and reliably.

Understanding a SIPOC diagram

A SIPOC diagram is a tool for documenting and improving business processes. Ultimately, SIPOC diagrams help businesses develop operations that are more efficient and less wasteful. The diagrams are a form of process mapping, where project goals are first identified and then detailed steps devised regarding how they might be achieved. 

The five components of a SIPOC diagram

SIPOC is an acronym of five components that are included on a SIPOC diagram. Emphasis is given to high-level processes and how they transform inputs (resources) into outputs (products or services).

Here are the five components:

  • Supplier – the provider of inputs into a process. For a café business, the supplier may be a local roastery or grocery store. Customer requests or feedback can also be classified as suppliers.
  • Input – materials, resources, or other information required to complete a process. Coffee beans and cake are examples of inputs for a café. Electricity and water are also important inputs in the coffee-making process.
  • Process – what are the steps that must be taken to convert inputs into outputs? The café must take customer orders using a point-of-sale system and then convert coffee beans into a hot appetizing beverage.
  • Outputs – or products and services that result from the process. For example, a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
  • Customer – the recipient of the output, such as coffee lovers or morning commuters.

How to construct a SIPOC diagram

Constructing a SIPOC diagram is relatively straightforward. To start, create a table with five columns and then label each with one of the five components.

Then, follow these steps:

  1. Write the name of the process in the central column and describe key steps. In describing the steps, remember that SIPOC diagrams describe high-level processes. Keep each step brief by using a flowchart and ensure that the team understands the start and endpoints.
  2. Identify the outputs. Describe four or five important outputs using nouns and neutral language to avoid categorizing them as either positive or negative. Businesses can also note customer requirements in this column but again, keep the tone neutral where possible.
  3. Identify customers. Who are the stakeholders that will ultimately benefit from the process? If improvements to internal operations are the goal, then employees are the customers. 
  4. List the inputs required for the process to function at the desired level. The focus should again be on four to five of the most salient.
  5. Identify the suppliers for each input described in the previous step.
  6. At this point, a business may choose to identify preliminary customer requirements. This step is useful for those incorporating customer requirements into the measure phase of the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology.
  7. Lastly, discuss and verify all aspects of the process with sponsors, key stakeholders, and decisions makers.

SIPOC diagram examples

In this section, we will outline some hypothetical examples of SIPOC diagrams.

Car dealership

Consider a car dealership with the following process steps:

  1. Meet with prospective customers.
  2. Understand what the customer wants or needs in a new vehicle.
  3. Present several different models to customers and test-drive available vehicles.
  4. Reach an agreement on any optional extras, total price, and delivery timeframe. 
  5. Complete paperwork and hand over keys to the new owner.

Based on this process, the following SIPOC elements can be defined:

  • Suppliers – vehicle manufacturers, other component suppliers, gas stations, car washes, and office printer.
  • Inputs – vehicles, optional extras, vehicle fuel, vehicle washes, and client needs worksheet.
  • Process – as described above.
  • Outputs – new customer account, paperwork to state motor transport authority, paperwork to the dealership, paperwork to the vehicle manufacturer, payment for the vehicle, and service notifications.
  • Customers – vehicle purchaser, dealership franchise owner, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and dealership service department.
  • Requirements – color choice, built-to-order, and paperwork that must be filed or submitted within 72 hours.

Smoothie café 

Here is a SIPOC diagram that describes the process of preparing a made-to-order smoothie:

  • Suppliers – smoothie requester (customer), smoothie maker, store owner, order taker, and kitchen supervisor.
  • Inputs – smoothie request (order), smoothie recipe, purchase receipt, blender, timer, water, juice, banana, honey, spinach, and ice.
  • Process – receive order, prepare order, prepare (clean, cut, and sort) ingredients, place ingredients in a blender, taste order, and notify customer service staff of order completion.
  • Output – approved purchase, completed order, refreshing smoothie, satisfied customer, tip, and purchase receipt. 
  • Customer – thirsty customer, smoothie maker, and store owner (purchaser of ingredients).

Mobile application development

In this example, let’s describe an enterprise that wants to employ the services of a software development company to develop a mobile app:

  • Suppliers – enterprise customer, project manager, software development team (programmers, developers, analysts, software quality assurance officers, etc.).
  • Inputs – customer requirements in the form of a functional specification document (FSD) and user requirement specifications (URS), skills and knowledge of the technical personnel, databases, frameworks, hosting services, and all other project management tools.
  • Process – in this case, we’ll describe the process in terms of broad phases of the software development life cycle. Namely: requirement analysis, design, development/coding, testing, release, and maintenance.
  • Outputs – the most obvious output of this process is the mobile application. However, any product or service created at a step that will be used later is also deemed an output in a SIPOC diagram. One example is a requirement document design diagram. Other outputs include a completed project and satisfied client.
  • Customer – in software development, the customer is the enterprise contracting the company’s services as well as the end user of the mobile app. Customers can also encompass the employees on the development team who carry out the process using outputs from the previous step. Thus, customers include users, clients, technical personnel, and third-party individuals. 

Supply Chain Management

  • Supplier: Raw material suppliers, manufacturers, distributors.
  • Input: Raw materials, components, production schedules, demand forecasts.
  • Process: Procurement, production planning, manufacturing, quality control, distribution.
  • Output: Finished products, packaged goods, inventory data.
  • Customer: Retailers, wholesalers, end consumers, sales teams.

Expanded Explanation:

  • In supply chain management, a SIPOC diagram helps visualize the flow of materials and information from suppliers to end consumers.
  • Raw material suppliers provide inputs like raw materials and components to manufacturers.
  • The manufacturing process includes procurement, production planning, actual manufacturing, quality control, and packaging.
  • The finished products are then distributed to retailers, wholesalers, and end consumers.
  • The process involves managing inventory data and demand forecasts to ensure timely production and delivery.
  • Sales teams also play a role in communicating customer demands to the supply chain.

Online Retail Order Fulfillment

  • Supplier: Manufacturers, distributors, shipping companies.
  • Input: Customer orders, inventory levels, packaging materials, shipping instructions.
  • Process: Order processing, order picking, packing, shipping, order tracking.
  • Output: Packed orders, shipping labels, shipping notifications, tracking numbers.
  • Customer: Online shoppers, shipping carriers, customer service.

Expanded Explanation:

  • For online retail, a SIPOC diagram outlines the steps involved in fulfilling customer orders.
  • Manufacturers and distributors are suppliers providing products. Customer orders, along with inventory levels, initiate the order processing phase.
  • This process includes order picking, where items are retrieved from the inventory, and packing, where items are prepared for shipping.
  • Shipping companies are involved in the final step of shipping the packages to customers.
  • The process ensures accurate packing, labeling, and timely delivery. Customer service may also be part of the process, handling inquiries related to order status and tracking.

Hotel Guest Check-In Process

  • Supplier: Reservation system, housekeeping, front desk staff.
  • Input: Guest reservations, room availability, guest preferences, payment information.
  • Process: Guest check-in, room assignment, payment processing, key issuance.
  • Output: Checked-in guests, room keys, payment receipts, welcome materials.
  • Customer: Hotel guests, hotel management, housekeeping, maintenance.

Expanded Explanation:

  • In the hotel industry, a SIPOC diagram illustrates the guest check-in process.
  • The reservation system provides input about guest reservations and preferences. Housekeeping ensures room availability and cleanliness.
  • Front desk staff manage the guest check-in process, including room assignment, payment processing, and issuing room keys.
  • The output includes checked-in guests with room keys, payment receipts, and welcome materials.
  • Hotel management oversees the process’s efficiency, while housekeeping and maintenance teams may be involved in maintaining the quality of the guest experience.

Key takeaways

  • A SIPOC diagram helps businesses identify the key drivers of high-level process improvement.
  • A SIPOC diagram consists of five components: supplier, input, process, output, and customer. Focus is given to processes and how they transforms inputs into outputs.
  • Constructing a SIPOC diagram is a straightforward affair that favors simplicity. Team members should identify processes using flow charts and keep input and output lists to a maximum of five items. However, those wanting a more detailed analysis can incorporate the Six Sigma DMAIC process.

Key Highlights:

  • SIPOC Diagram Overview: A SIPOC diagram is a tool used for documenting and improving business processes. It helps create efficient and less wasteful operations by identifying the key elements of a process and its transformation from inputs to outputs.
  • Five Components of a SIPOC Diagram:
    • Supplier: The provider of inputs into a process, such as material or information sources.
    • Input: Materials, resources, or information needed to complete the process.
    • Process: The steps taken to convert inputs into outputs.
    • Output: The resulting products or services from the process.
    • Customer: The recipient of the output, which can be end-users or stakeholders.
  • Constructing a SIPOC Diagram:
    • Create a table with five columns labeled for each component.
    • Write the process name and describe the key steps briefly.
    • Identify outputs and describe important ones using neutral language.
    • Identify customers, who will benefit from the process.
    • List inputs required for the process.
    • Identify suppliers for each input.
    • Consider identifying preliminary customer requirements if necessary.
    • Discuss and verify the process details with stakeholders.
  • SIPOC Diagram Examples:
    • Car Dealership: Process steps include meeting customers, presenting vehicle options, agreement on details, paperwork, and handover. Elements like suppliers, inputs, outputs, and customers are defined.
    • Smoothie Café: Process of making a smoothie, involving customers, smoothie maker, store owner, and various inputs and outputs.
    • Mobile Application Development: Process phases of requirement analysis, design, development, testing, release, and maintenance, involving enterprise customers, development team, and inputs like requirements and skills.
  • Key Takeaways:
    • SIPOC diagrams help businesses understand and improve processes.
    • The diagram includes five key components: Supplier, Input, Process, Output, and Customer.
    • Constructing a SIPOC diagram involves defining process steps, identifying inputs/outputs, and involving stakeholders.
    • SIPOC diagrams offer a simple way to communicate process understanding and improvement goals.

Connected Agile Frameworks

AIOps

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AIOps is the application of artificial intelligence to IT operations. It has become particularly useful for modern IT management in hybridized, distributed, and dynamic environments. AIOps has become a key operational component of modern digital-based organizations, built around software and algorithms.

AgileSHIFT

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AgileSHIFT is a framework that prepares individuals for transformational change by creating a culture of agility.

Agile Methodology

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Agile started as a lightweight development method compared to heavyweight software development, which is the core paradigm of the previous decades of software development. By 2001 the Manifesto for Agile Software Development was born as a set of principles that defined the new paradigm for software development as a continuous iteration. This would also influence the way of doing business.

Agile Program Management

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Agile Program Management is a means of managing, planning, and coordinating interrelated work in such a way that value delivery is emphasized for all key stakeholders. Agile Program Management (AgilePgM) is a disciplined yet flexible agile approach to managing transformational change within an organization.

Agile Project Management

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Agile project management (APM) is a strategy that breaks large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. In the APM methodology, each project is completed in small sections – often referred to as iterations. Each iteration is completed according to its project life cycle, beginning with the initial design and progressing to testing and then quality assurance.

Agile Modeling

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Agile Modeling (AM) is a methodology for modeling and documenting software-based systems. Agile Modeling is critical to the rapid and continuous delivery of software. It is a collection of values, principles, and practices that guide effective, lightweight software modeling.

Agile Business Analysis

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Agile Business Analysis (AgileBA) is certification in the form of guidance and training for business analysts seeking to work in agile environments. To support this shift, AgileBA also helps the business analyst relate Agile projects to a wider organizational mission or strategy. To ensure that analysts have the necessary skills and expertise, AgileBA certification was developed.

Agile Leadership

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Bimodal Portfolio Management

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Bimodal Portfolio Management (BimodalPfM) helps an organization manage both agile and traditional portfolios concurrently. Bimodal Portfolio Management – sometimes referred to as bimodal development – was coined by research and advisory company Gartner. The firm argued that many agile organizations still needed to run some aspects of their operations using traditional delivery models.

Business Innovation Matrix

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Business Model Innovation

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Business model innovation is about increasing the success of an organization with existing products and technologies by crafting a compelling value proposition able to propel a new business model to scale up customers and create a lasting competitive advantage. And it all starts by mastering the key customers.

Constructive Disruption

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A consumer brand company like Procter & Gamble (P&G) defines “Constructive Disruption” as: a willingness to change, adapt, and create new trends and technologies that will shape our industry for the future. According to P&G, it moves around four pillars: lean innovation, brand building, supply chain, and digitalization & data analytics.

Continuous Innovation

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Design Sprint

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Design Thinking

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DevOps

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Dual Track Agile

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Feature-Driven Development

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eXtreme Programming

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ICE Scoring

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Innovation Funnel

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Innovation Matrix

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Innovation Theory

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Lean Startup

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A startup company is a high-tech business that tries to build a scalable business model in tech-driven industries. A startup company usually follows a lean methodology, where continuous innovation, driven by built-in viral loops is the rule. Thus, driving growth and building network effects as a consequence of this strategy.

Kanban

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Kanban is a lean manufacturing framework first developed by Toyota in the late 1940s. The Kanban framework is a means of visualizing work as it moves through identifying potential bottlenecks. It does that through a process called just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing to optimize engineering processes, speed up manufacturing products, and improve the go-to-market strategy.

Rapid Application Development

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RAD was first introduced by author and consultant James Martin in 1991. Martin recognized and then took advantage of the endless malleability of software in designing development models. Rapid Application Development (RAD) is a methodology focusing on delivering rapidly through continuous feedback and frequent iterations.

Scaled Agile

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Scaled Agile Lean Development (ScALeD) helps businesses discover a balanced approach to agile transition and scaling questions. The ScALed approach helps businesses successfully respond to change. Inspired by a combination of lean and agile values, ScALed is practitioner-based and can be completed through various agile frameworks and practices.

Spotify Model

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Test-Driven Development

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As the name suggests, TDD is a test-driven technique for delivering high-quality software rapidly and sustainably. It is an iterative approach based on the idea that a failing test should be written before any code for a feature or function is written. Test-Driven Development (TDD) is an approach to software development that relies on very short development cycles.

Timeboxing

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Scrum

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Scrumban

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Scrumban is a project management framework that is a hybrid of two popular agile methodologies: Scrum and Kanban. Scrumban is a popular approach to helping businesses focus on the right strategic tasks while simultaneously strengthening their processes.

Scrum Anti-Patterns

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Scrum At Scale

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Stretch Objectives

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Waterfall

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The waterfall model was first described by Herbert D. Benington in 1956 during a presentation about the software used in radar imaging during the Cold War. Since there were no knowledge-based, creative software development strategies at the time, the waterfall method became standard practice. The waterfall model is a linear and sequential project management framework. 

Read Also: Continuous InnovationAgile MethodologyLean StartupBusiness Model InnovationProject Management.

Read Next: Agile Methodology, Lean Methodology, Agile Project Management, Scrum, Kanban, Six Sigma.

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