How do you avoid common pitfalls and errors when using COPIS in Lean Six Sigma?

1 Define customer value clearly

The first step in COPIS is to identify who your customer is and what value they expect from your output. This may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked or assumed. You need to define customer value clearly and specifically, using measurable criteria and data. Avoid vague or subjective terms, such as quality, satisfaction, or loyalty, that can be interpreted differently by different stakeholders. Instead, use concrete and quantifiable indicators, such as defect rate, cycle time, or net promoter score, that reflect the customer's needs and preferences.

2 Align output with customer value

The second step in COPIS is to define your output and how it delivers customer value. Your output is the product or service that you provide to your customer, and it should align with their expectations and requirements. You need to ensure that your output meets the customer's specifications, standards, and tolerances, and that it does not have any unnecessary or unwanted features or functions. Avoid over-engineering or over-delivering your output, as this can increase your costs and waste without adding value to your customer.

3 Simplify and standardize process

The third step in COPIS is to define your process and how it produces your output. Your process is the sequence of activities and tasks that transform your inputs into your output, and it should be as simple and standardized as possible. You need to eliminate or minimize any variation, waste, or inefficiency in your process, and ensure that it follows the best practices and guidelines for quality and performance. Avoid complex or inconsistent processes, as they can lead to errors, defects, or delays in your output.

4 Optimize input and supplier

The fourth and fifth steps in COPIS are to define your input and supplier and how they affect your process and output. Your input is the material, information, or resource that you use in your process, and your supplier is the source or provider of your input. You need to optimize your input and supplier, by selecting the best quality, quantity, and timing for your needs. You also need to establish clear and effective communication and collaboration with your supplier, and monitor and evaluate their performance and feedback. Avoid poor or unreliable input or supplier, as they can compromise your process and output.

5 Review and improve COPIS

The final step in COPIS is to review and improve your COPIS diagram, by checking its accuracy, completeness, and relevance. You need to verify that your COPIS reflects the current reality of your customer value, output, process, input, and supplier, and that it aligns with your goals and objectives. You also need to identify and implement any opportunities for improvement, by applying the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology or other Lean Six Sigma tools. Avoid static or outdated COPIS, as they can limit your potential for innovation and excellence.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?