In 1986, Motorola, Inc. created a novel system for quality assurance, which the global telecommunications firm named the Six Sigma methodology.

Later in 1995, Jack Welch, the company’s CEO at the time, popularised the Six Sigma methodology and incorporated it into GE’s overall business strategy.

The ground-breaking Six Sigma methodology integrates tools and procedures that are data-driven and statistically oriented in order to support lean manufacturing, better process management, and continuous improvement.

The Six Sigma approach includes the SIPOC model. It is one of the most well-known and time-tested methods for mapping important business processes.

Organizations can use the SIPOC model to visually represent their business processes, giving them a complete overview of all crucial process components in the form of tables and charts.

An SIPOC model is what?
There are several steps in the Six Sigma approach, such as Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. Its acronym is DMAIC, which stands for Define [D], Measure [M], Analyze [A], Improve [I], and Control [C]. It’s known as Six Sigma DMAIC.

Before work on a project begins, process management teams use the SIPOC model at the Six Sigma DMAIC ‘Measure’ stage to identify pertinent aspects of process improvements.

The SIPOC model encourages teams to think about key process components, such as the suppliers [S] of the process, the required inputs [I], the various process functions [P], the anticipated outputs [O] from the process, and the customer [C] or end-user [U], who gets the process outputs.

SIPOC, a visual tool, aids in comprehending the complete procedure from beginning to conclusion. It provides insightful information on areas where important problems continue. Problems may originate with the supplier; they may be tied to input specifications, processes, or outputs that don’t fulfil client expectations.

Teams, upper management, and all stakeholders have a great chance to solve process-related problems using a SIPOC table or diagram. From there, the proper methods for process changes can be developed.

Important Elements of the SIPOC Model
The C [Customer] – O [Outputs] – P [Process] – I [Inputs] – S [Suppliers] strategy is typically used by service-related businesses. Customers come first in the COPIS approach, followed by “Outputs,” “Process,” “Inputs,” and “Suppliers.”

This is so because in the service sector, such as in restaurants, clients first place their needs before receiving the result (meal), which is made possible by “Process,” “Inputs,” and “Suppliers.”

Although most businesses use the P [Process] – O [Outputs] – C [Customers] – I [Inputs] – S [Suppliers] approach, the manufacturing sector also uses the SIPOC model. The first two steps in the POCIS technique are “Process” and “Outputs,” which are supported by “Inputs” and “Suppliers” and create requirements for “Customers.”

The fundamental elements of the SIPOC model—Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers—remain the same regardless of the method of application.

SIOC Model Illustration
Process teams must be capable of mapping the complete procedure in order to set up a SIPOC table. They must be able to recognise several process components, such as who the suppliers are, the inputs necessary for process execution, the finished product, and the client.

Why Is the SIPOC Model Required?
The SIPOC model is essential for streamlining company processes.

It keeps everyone on board, including new employees, informed about the many stages of a process by graphically portraying all of its components.

The Key Process Output Variable (KPOV), a variable that emerges as an output from a process, can also be studied using the SIPOC paradigm.

KPOV changes can significantly affect efficiency, reliability, performance, and manufacturability. Smooth process integration, improvements, and optimization will result from tracking down and addressing the variations.