Improve Your Processes …. NOW!

We seem to be too busy when the work is rolling in … and out … the door.   And when work slows down, we do not have the resources to take on the projects.  Now it the time.  Improve your processes, deep clean your facilities/factory, document the procedures, and get ready to start strong when this ends … which it will.

Where do we start?  Start with the facts!  Identify the major processes.  Give your team direction … and the tools necessary.  SIPOC is one of those tools and the place to start.  It can be used to define new processes and to refine existing ones.

SIPOC – The suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers (SIPOC) diagram defines the scope of work for a team and identifies at a high level the potential gaps (deficiencies) between what a process expects from its suppliers and what customers expect from the process.

A SIPOC diagram maps a process at a high level and identifies potential gaps between suppliers and inputs specifications and between outputs specifications and customers’ expectations, thus defining the scope for process improvement activities.

Because it also identifies feedback and feed-forward loops between customers, suppliers, and the process, it jump-starts the team to begin thinking in terms of cause and effect.  

Benefits

• Enables all team members to view the process in the same light
• Visually communicates the process at a high level and defines the scope of improvement efforts
• The first step in cause-and-effect thinking; contributes to understanding how the suppliers, inputs, process steps, and outputs affect customer(s) needs

It helps to identify gaps such as:

• Inputs we don’t need but receive
• Outputs that customers don’t want, but receive anyway
• Process steps that are completed, but add no value

Several aspects of the SIPOC that may not be readily apparent are:

• Suppliers and customers may be internal or external to the organization that performs the process.
• Inputs and outputs may be materials, services, or information.
• The focus is on capturing the set of inputs and outputs rather than the individual steps in the process.

Process Map – Completing a SIPOC diagram will give you a map of your process(es).  It is the place to start so each member of your team knows the intent of the process …. and detailing the steps the process follows will achieve the desired objective …. Maximize Value.

Maximize Value!

When we come out of this it will be different paradigm.  Some of our competition will not survive.  Our customers will need our skills, resources, and product/service.  Process Improvement efforts will allow us to systemically find ways to deliver more value to our customers … faster, cheaper, and better!!  So, figure out ways to streamline our processes, reduce WIP, implement visual controls, reduce costs, and increase Quality.

Using process improvement is a great way to make sure your processes stay in great shape. Every process naturally needs to be reviewed … and improved. Now is that time.  In the midst of the confusion and disruptions to our markets, focus on Process Improvement and come out a Market Leader.