A high level process map is drawn to bring clarity to the project definition so the team members of the project understand what they are working towards. A common and useful tool to develop a process map is called a SIPOC diagram. The purpose of a SIPOC diagram is to create a high-level representation of the process under study without getting into the details of it. Detailed process maps will be created in the later stages of DMAIC. SIPOC stands for Supplier, Inputs, Process, Output, and Customer, and provides the details of how each of these aspects interacts in the project in one diagram. The steps to create a SIPOC are as follows:
Outline the major steps of the process as block diagrams. A good rule of thumb is to have no more than four to six steps. Action words should be used to describe the process steps. Decide the start and the stop points of the process. A process is nothing but a series of activities that transforms inputs into outputs.
Identify the...