A Process Definition Tool SIPOC A Process Definition Tool

Suppliers – Inputs – Process – Outputs – Customers What is SIPOC? Suppliers – Inputs – Process – Outputs – Customers Process  Output  Quality Provides a template for process definition Requires consensus on processes Uses a team of experts with involvement in the process Can express in 8 steps See your handout

How to Develop a SIPOC Diagram Assign a team to a high level process. Name the Process. (e.g. Test Systems) Decompose process into a few steps. Identify the Outputs of the process. Identify the Customers Identify the most significant Outputs. List the Inputs Identify the Suppliers Review from handout

Example: Filling a Job Vacancy Assign team – Who? Name the process – What? Decompose to steps – How? Specify needs Authorize recruitment Place ads Assess applicants Offer appointment Confirm start Our process will be to look at how our company/agency fills a job vacancy. We’re not describing what we’d like it to be right now – we’re talking about how it’s done – flaws & all. Remember Step 1? Who should be on the team? 2. What shall we call this? Fill job vacancy (use ACTION verb) 3. Discuss – then show suggested answers

Completing the Process Definition Identify Outputs Ads, Candidates, New hire Identify Customers Line Manager, Functional Manager, Team, Company Identify most significant outputs New hire List inputs Request to fill a vacancy Identify Suppliers Line Manager

Completed Diagram Process: Fill job vacancy Suppliers Inputs Process Outputs Customers Line Manager Request to fill a vacancy Specify needs Authorize recruitment Place adverts Assess applicants Offer appointment Confirm start New member of staff Here’s how the completed diagram would look.

Next Steps Process purpose statements Process Owner Define Start & End Define Boundaries If this is an important process that needs more attention, here are some best practices

S I P O C SIPOC Summary Process Suppliers Customers This is why we put the initials in the order SIPOc S I P O C

Class Exercise Prescribing drugs in a doctor’s office visit A dealer selling a used car Getting your car repaired after collision damage Booking an airline reservation for an employee’s business travel Serving a customer in a fast food restaurant