SIPOC: Key Concepts and Steps

Introduction to SIPOC

• Presenter: Adriana Girdler
• Role: Productivity specialist, efficiency expert, and project management professional
• Purpose of SIPOC: Tool for improving processes and ways of working.
  • Acronym: Supplier, Input, Process, Output, Customer
  • Approach: Holistic view of a process from start to finish, capturing inputs, outputs, stakeholders, and their roles

Creating a SIPOC

Tools Needed

• Excel spreadsheet, Word document, Google Sheets, Vizio, etc.
• Formation of a team to capture nuances and details

Steps to Create a SIPOC

1. Process (P) Column

   • Captures high-level action items from start to finish (5 to 10 steps max)
   • Example: Sandwich making process
     • Steps: Decide what to eat, get ingredients, get tools, make sandwich, eat sandwich, clean up

2. Outputs Column

   • Determine what is produced by each process step
   • Be specific, label multiple outputs for clarity
   • Example Outputs:
     • Decision on sandwich type
     • Ingredients: whole wheat bread, peanut butter, jam
     • Tools: cutting board, knife, plates

3. Customer Column

   • Identify who will receive the outputs
   • Generic identification: Parent (example of making lunch for children)

4. Inputs Column

   • What is needed to enable each process step
   • Example Inputs:
     • Hungry child, lunchtime
     • Sandwich selection

5. Stakeholders Column

   • Identify who supplies the inputs
   • Can be generic or detailed depending on process complexity

Uses of SIPOC

• Problem-solving within a process (e.g., customer service issues)
• Understanding project scope and requirements
• Change management to identify customers and stakeholders
• Visionary projects to define future state processes

Additional Resources

• Project Ninja Course: Online project management course with comprehensive resources and tools
• Engagement: Subscribe to channel, share video, join discussions, and provide feedback on SIPOC usage

Conclusion

• SIPOC is a versatile and valuable tool for process improvement and project management.
• Encouragement to explore the Project Ninja course and incorporate SIPOC into project management practices.