1. A Process Definition Tool
SIPOC
A Process Definition Tool

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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