  1-page handout – 120KB – Fillable/Savable |
Don’t be turned off by the acronym. SIPOC works wonders when it comes to process improvement.
The SIPOC Diagram is a visual tool that conveys crucial information on a single page. It shows everything that goes on in a given business process.
If you’ve ever wanted staff to get a start-to-finish big-picture view of their work, here you go.
SIPOC (pronounced sigh-pock) stands for suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, and customers. All are identified when a SIPOC is created. It “makes visible” all the components and connections that end up producing an output and delivering value to customers.
That’s a lot of good information for a single one-pager.
But wait, it gets better! Click here to download our SIPOC in fillable/savable PDF format. Feel free to circulate it among colleagues, but most of all, put it to work with staff. The PDF includes tool tips for the various fill-in fields.
The SIPOC Diagram is often used when planning a big process improvement project. It gives a high-level understanding, and it can help a team sponsor right-size the project scope. Its structured nature ensures that sponsors and others think through every aspect.
It also works great as a stand-alone activity. Bring the concept to staff, and work together to talk through and identify all the components. Write on a flipchart or white board, using the one-pager as a guide – then enter the info into the one-pager so everyone can get a clean copy.
Believe it: This quick activity is an eye-opener. People typically focus on their own work. SIPOC widens their vision so they see and appreciate all the moving parts.
Expect to hear comments like: “So that’s what happens before my part of the process!” “That explains why we have those delays.” “This whole thing could be a lot simpler.”
You’ll also hear questions: “Why are we using that supplier?” “What happens when those forms come in with errors?” “Do we really need that check phase?”
In other words, SIPOC prompts discovery and curiosity. Staff begin to lean forward, looking for ways to improve their process.
Can SIPOC-powered conversation be the starting point for a process improvement project? Can it raise curiosity to the point where people do additional fact-finding and analysis in order to get smarter about their process? Can it uncover some “just do it” improvements that get implemented right away. Yes, yes, and yes.
Now that’s one magical one-pager.
Download the 1-page SIPOC handout (PDF 120KB – Fillable/Savable)
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