POC vs PIC: Definition, Difference, & How It's Used in the Workplace

In any business, clear communication is key. But sometimes, messages get lost. Teams wait too long for updates.

Customers don’t know who to contact. And tasks fall through the loopholes. That’s where a Point of Contact or POC comes in.

For many businesses, especially those that are growing or managing multiple departments, having a clear POC can save time, reduce confusion, and keep everything running smoothly.

But what exactly does a POC do, and why is it so important in the workplace?

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Does POC Mean in the Workplace?

In a work setting, POC stands for Point of Contact. This is the person who acts as the main channel of communication for a certain task, project, or relationship.

They’re the person others go to when they need updates, have questions, or want to raise an issue.

For example, if your company is working with a new supplier, your purchasing manager might be the POC.

Or, if you’re launching a project with another department, you might assign one staff member as the POC to make sure everything flows well between teams.

Why is Having a POC Important in the Workplace?

In any business, big or small, communication is key. When nobody knows who to contact, tasks can get stuck. Customers may not get the help they need.

And your team might keep waiting for decisions. All this causes delays and confusion.

That’s why having a clear Point of Contact (POC) is so important.

When you assign a POC, you're giving one person the responsibility to manage communication for a specific task, client, or project.

This helps everyone know who to reach out to when they need updates, approvals, or help.

From an employer’s point of view, it also improves accountability. You know exactly who is handling what.

This helps you manage progress better, spot bottlenecks, and solve problems faster.

More importantly, having a POC helps build professionalism and trust, both inside your team and with clients.

When your partners know exactly who to talk to, the experience becomes smoother and more efficient.

PIC vs POC: What's Different?

In the workplace, the terms PIC (Person in Charge) and POC (Point of Contact) are commonly used, but they serve different purposes.

A POC is the main communication link—the person others reach out to for updates or inquiries. They may not have authority to make decisions but act as a liaison.

On the other hand, a PIC is the person responsible and accountable for the outcome of a task or project—they lead, make decisions, and ensure execution.

While a POC handles communication, a PIC handles results.

Term	Full Form	Focus	Main Responsibility
POC	Point of Contact	Communication	Acts as the contact person
PIC	Person in Charge	Accountability	Manages and executes the task

Different Types of Points of Contact

Not all POCs serve the same function. Depending on your company setup and needs, here are the most common types of Points of Contact you might have:

Internal POC

A team member who acts as the main contact within your own company.

For example, your marketing lead might be the POC for all design requests from other departments. Or your HR executive could be the POC for payroll questions.

External POC

This POC communicates directly with people outside your company, such as clients, vendors, or partners.

They’re responsible for sharing updates, gathering feedback, and making sure external parties are supported.

Primary POC

Sometimes, several people are involved in a project, but one person is chosen to take the lead. This is the Primary POC.

They are the first person others will reach out to, and they help coordinate everything in one direction.

When to Assign a POC in Your Business?

You don’t always need a POC for every small task. But there are clear situations when assigning one can save time, avoid confusion, and improve performance.

Here are examples:

New clients or vendors: When you onboard a new business partner, having one person to manage communication keeps the process smooth.
Special projects: If multiple departments are working together on a project, assigning a POC avoids duplicate tasks and missed updates.
Customer support: For complaints or after-sales service, assigning a POC makes your company look more professional and organised.
Department operations: For internal matters like IT support, HR queries, or finance requests, having a POC improves turnaround time.

As your business grows, it becomes more important to define these roles clearly so everyone knows who’s responsible for what

Key Responsibilities of a POC

Assigning a POC is not just about giving someone a title. That person needs to take real responsibility in the following areas:

1. Communicating with stakeholders

A POC is the bridge between teams, departments, or external parties. They must be able to speak clearly, write well, and communicate updates in a timely way.

2. Managing updates and feedback

Whether it's a delay in delivery or a change in plan, the POC must share the right information with the right people, quickly and accurately.

3. Solving problems

If there’s a complaint or a technical issue, the POC is usually the first one to respond. They either solve the problem or connect the issue to the right person fast.

4. Coordinating progress

For larger projects, the POC helps monitor timelines and makes sure all tasks are moving forward. They work with different team members to keep things on track.

How to Identify the Right POC for Your Organization

Not everyone is the right fit to be a POC. So how do you decide?

Look for team members who are:

Experienced in the task or project they’ll handle. They should know the topic well.
Good communicators, both written and spoken. They must be comfortable representing your company.
Reliable and responsive. A POC should be someone who follows up, responds on time, and stays calm under pressure.
Available and not overloaded. Be mindful of their current workload. If someone is already juggling too many responsibilities, they might not be the best choice.

In short, choose someone who can represent your business well and follow through.

What Happens When You Don’t Have a Clear POC?

Without a clear POC, many things can go wrong and often do.

Internally, tasks may get delayed because no one knows who is in charge. Teams might keep emailing the wrong person. Or worse, they may assume someone else is handling it.

Externally, clients may feel ignored or frustrated. If they’re passed around from one person to another without a clear answer, it damages your brand and weakens trust.

Not having a clear POC can lead to:

Missed opportunities due to slow follow-ups.
Low employee morale from lack of structure.
Poor customer satisfaction and feedback.
Reduced productivity and unclear accountability.

FAQ

Is a POC the same as a manager or supervisor?

Not always. While some managers do serve as POCs, any team member, regardless of level, can be appointed a POC if they are suitable for the task.

Can one person serve as a POC for multiple tasks?

Yes, but only if they have the capacity and bandwidth. It’s better to assign different POCs for separate tasks if things are complex.

How do I assign a POC in a large organization?

You can set up a naming structure, for example, assign one POC per department or per project. Then share this list through email, internal dashboards, or WhatsApp groups so everyone knows who to reach out to.

What is the difference between POC and a liaison?

A liaison connects different parties and often helps build relationships. A POC, on the other hand, is directly responsible for communication and delivery on specific tasks.

How do POCs contribute to team collaboration?

They reduce confusion, speed up communication, and make sure projects move forward. With a clear POC, teams work better together and avoid wasting time.

Need to hire new employees in Malaysia?

Post your job ads on Maukerja, Ricebowl, LinkedIn, and Google with AJobThing to find the best talent today!