Why and how to employ the SIPOC model

Abstract

Within the business continuity industry, the debate regarding the business impact analysis (BIA) shows no sign of being resolved. Fervent discussions online, at conferences and in businesses around the world continue to promote or dispute its value. This paper does not pretend to resolve that debate but offers a compelling alternative to achieve the outcomes entrusted to the BIA and overcome the challenges in obtaining them. Business disruptions, both from natural occurrences and manmade, are occurring more frequently at the same time as business continues to get more complex. To exacerbate the issue, business continuity practitioners are increasingly expected to do more, and often with fewer resources and in condensed timeframes. The SIPOC tool from Lean and Six Sigma, which considers suppliers, inputs, process, outputs and customers, gives business continuity practitioners a practical alternative. By using the experiences, expertise and tools of other professions in a transdisciplinary approach, it is possible to accomplish the continuity imperatives of the business while adding value to the organisation when resources available to the practitioner are constantly being compressed.