What is SIPOC & COPIS? In today's fast-paced business world, it's essential to have a well-structured and efficient process for any business operation to ensure the highest level of productivity and customer satisfaction. One way to achieve this is through the use of SIPOC or COPIS diagrams.
In this blog, we'll discuss what SIPOC & COPIS is and what sets them apart.
SIPOC and COPIS are both process mapping tools used in business to identify and analyze the key elements of a process. They help to define the scope of a process and establish a common understanding among stakeholders.
What is SIPOC?
SIPOC is an acronym that stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers.
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| Image Source: LinkedIn |
It is a high-level process mapping tool used to define the scope of a process, identify stakeholders, and map the process flow from beginning to end. The SIPOC diagram is a visual representation of the process that enables stakeholders to understand and communicate the process more effectively.
In the SIPOC diagram, the supplier is the entity that provides inputs to the process, while the inputs are the resources used to complete the process. The process is the sequence of activities that transform inputs into outputs, which are the final products or services delivered to the customers. The customers are the end-users who consume the outputs of the process.
What is COPIS?
COPIS is another acronym that stands for Customers, Outputs, Process, Inputs, and Suppliers.
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| Image Source: LinkedIn |
Like SIPOC, COPIS is a process mapping tool
used to define the scope of a process and map the process flow from beginning
to end. However, the key difference between SIPOC and COPIS is the starting
point. While SIPOC starts with suppliers, COPIS starts with customers.
In the COPIS diagram, the customers are the starting point
since they are the driving force behind the process. The outputs are the
products or services delivered to the customers, while the process is the
sequence of activities that transform inputs into outputs. The inputs are the
resources used to complete the process, and the suppliers are the entities that
provide the inputs.
What is the difference between SIPOC and COPIS?
The primary difference between SIPOC and COPIS is the
starting point. SIPOC starts with suppliers, while COPIS starts with customers.
The difference in starting point also means that the focus of the two tools is
different. SIPOC focuses on the inputs, while COPIS focuses on the outputs. As
a result, SIPOC is useful for identifying process improvements and enhancing
efficiency, while COPIS is helpful for identifying customer needs and improving
customer satisfaction.
Another difference between SIPOC and COPIS is the order of
the elements. In SIPOC, the elements are arranged in the order of Suppliers, Inputs,
Process, Outputs, and Customers, while in COPIS, the elements are arranged in
the order of Customers, Outputs, Process, Inputs, and Suppliers. The difference
in the order of the elements is due to the difference in the starting point of
the two tools.
Conclusion
SIPOC and COPIS are process mapping tools
that help businesses define the scope of a process and map the process flow
from beginning to end. While SIPOC starts with suppliers and focuses on inputs,
COPIS starts with customers and focuses on outputs. By understanding the
difference between SIPOC and COPIS, businesses can choose the tool that best
suits their needs and use it to improve their processes and customer
satisfaction.
