What is a SIPOC Diagram and what is it for?

The SIPOC diagram It is an ordering system or tool in tabular format that allows the characterization or logical assignment of a series of processes. It involves a series of elementary parameters such as a provider, an input, a process or a series of procedures with an output and a final result, which represents in the form of a product and satisfy a customer.

What does the SIPOC mean?

SIPOC generates a greater understanding of situations that are presented during a production or information system, understanding that their acronyms refer to the following:

• Supplier: a provider, an individual who generates an essential contribution of resources to the established process.
• Imput: input, all the data or elements necessary to carry out this process.
• Process: processes, series of activities that generate a line between the entry point towards the exit, establishing a required value.
• Output: output, final result obtained from a follow-up of ideas and a correct procedure in each station.
• Customer: client, is the person or individual to whom the final results are given and to whom the other points must be satisfied with the quality of products made to perfection.

What is a SIPOC diagram for?

It's about a help system or self-help that allows to better establish a series of ideas, with the purpose of satisfying the needs of a client, that is, that also facilitates understanding between both parties to generate greater effectiveness from the moment of data collection or entry, to the output or sampling to users.

Also allows greater knowledge or understanding the way in which procedures are worked and carried out, giving an assertive description of what is done, thus also preventing the appearance of possible errors or failures during processes, following a series of established rules to improve management in quality.

More specifically and guided towards a global point, we have:

• Give a generalized and perfectly understandable description to a series of people who may not be familiar with the processes carried out.
• They generate a clear, efficient and simple guide to clarify doubts for those users or workers involved who may become complicated during the performance of a process.
• They allow anchoring or mixing with new processes or tasks that are necessary.
• They allow to improve some already established procedures, giving it a better form and logical guide.

What to take into account when making a SIPOC diagram?

• Suppliers and customers may or may not belong to the organization, however, they must have the necessary minimum knowledge so that the processes work correctly and avoid inconveniences of any nature.
• The inputs and outputs can be related to any element, be it information, services, materials and the production of any component.
• Define effectively the inputs and outputs so that the midpoint of the processes is effective and concise.
• Avoid repetitive processes or those that do not lead to their improvement.

How to make a SIPOC diagram?

In order to generate an effective and clear diagram that gives space to the improvement of ideas, whatever the topic to be worked on, a series of steps can be followed which are:

Client

This is the in charge of establishing the needs, that is, the one that will give value to the processes that can be included to achieve a goal and can be established in different areas, the provision of services being one of the most common of this type.

Definition of provider

At this point defines who will be the individual or user capable of generating the inputs, which, without any problem, can be a client or user interested or with certain knowledge.

Identification of the space to work

It is always a must work with specific topics and be clear about the topic that is being handled, since it is very common for ideas to be channeled into other similar topics, as a result of the lack of information or denotation of data.

Input data entry

In this point a series of essential activities are integrated that will start or that will be the basis for what will be the development of the processes, that will guide a effective work for the fulfillment of the input data or to satisfy the needs of the client.

Process definition

At this point, each of the processes or activities required to produce the results expected by both the user and client, simplifying said activities without repetition and using an appropriate language for both parties which is understandable.

Results or outputs

Its about product obtained from the series of processes that have been generated in the other steps which can be related to any type of component, either informative, documentation, products, raw materials, services or others, which are delivered to the client who has made the request.

Tips to improve the realization of a process diagram

• Generate a brainstorming in which only the best ones are acquired and those that lead to well-formed logical processes.
• Work with more simplified activities, that is, reduce to the maximum the incense processes that complicate mapping and lead to a series of cumbersome or complicated activities for both the client and the Username.
• It is essential to start with processes that improve the perception of the client, attracting their attention and then establishing strategic points and supports that are necessary.
• Use simple words and concise connections that do not allow misinterpretation by the client.
• Always define a starting point with a specific starting point that leaves no doubt about its completion.
• Define the participation of each member, in order to establish a solid team that generates positive results.
• Use symbologies and reference tables that allow better connectivity of ideas.
• Use technological tools that facilitate the work, which can be achieved in any computer operating system and even in applications.