SIPOC vs Sub-Process vs Value Stream

• Level of detail: 

  1. SIPOC maps are the most high-level and show only the main elements of a process. 

  2. Value stream maps are more detailed and show the flow of materials and information, as well as the value-added and non-value-added activities. 

  3. Subprocess maps are the most detailed and show the subtasks and decisions within a process or a subprocess.

• Purpose: 

  1. SIPOC maps are used to define the scope and boundaries of a process and to communicate it to others. 

  2. Value stream maps are used to eliminate waste and improve efficiency by identifying the sources of waste, such as inventory, waiting, overproduction, defects, etc. 

  3. Subprocess maps are used to identify problems and opportunities for improvement by analyzing the time, cost, quality, and responsibility of each step.

• Symbols: 

  1. SIPOC maps use simple symbols such as boxes and arrows to represent the suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, and customers. 

  2. Value stream maps use specific symbols such as triangles, squares, circles, etc. to represent the inventory, processes, information flows, etc. 

  3. Subprocess maps use standard symbols such as rectangles, diamonds, ovals, etc. to represent the tasks, decisions, start/end points, etc.

Process Mapping Guide

1. Choose a business process you want to review. Give it a name and decide where it starts and ends. Set the limits of the process.

2. Look at the CTQ work to find out what are the main results of the process, who gets them, and what they expect from them.

   • Use names for results (like sales call, proposal, etc.).

   • Use words that describe quality for expectations (like timely, knowledgeable, accurate).

3. List the steps of the process using brainstorming and grouping methods:

   • Write one step on each big card.

   • Don’t worry about the order.

   • Start each step with an action word.

   • Don’t go into details about each step.

4. Use brainstorming and grouping methods to find out what are the important factors that affect the process quality.

5. For each important factor, find out who gives it to you.

6. Check if the map shows the real situation of the process as it is now (the ‘as is’ map) - not how you think it is, or how it should be.