What is SIPOC?

Definition

SIPOC is an acronym that stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers. It is a process mapping tool used in Lean and Six Sigma to provide a high-level view of a process and its key elements.

Objective

To provide a clear and structured understanding of a process by identifying all its main components, facilitating analysis and continuous improvement.

SIPOC Components

1. Suppliers

• People, departments, or organizations that provide inputs to the process
• Can be internal (within the organization) or external
• Example: Sales department, external suppliers, customers

2. Inputs

• Materials, information, resources, or services required to execute the process
• Everything that "feeds" the process
• Example: Customer orders, raw materials, data, specifications

3. Process

• The series of activities or steps that transform inputs into outputs
• Described in general terms, without excessive detail
• Example: Order processing, manufacturing, software development

4. Outputs

• The products, services, or information that result from the process
• What the process "produces"
• Example: Finished products, delivered services, reports

5. Customers

• People, departments, or organizations that receive the process outputs
• Can be internal or external customers
• Example: End customer, next department in the chain, internal users

How to create a SIPOC diagram

1. Define the process: Clearly identify which process will be mapped
2. Identify outputs: Determine what the process produces
3. Identify customers: Who receives these outputs
4. Map the process: Describe the main steps (typically 4-7 steps)
5. Identify inputs: What is needed to execute the process
6. Identify suppliers: Who provides these inputs

Benefits

• Clarity: Provides a complete view of the process
• Communication: Facilitates shared understanding among teams
• Problem identification: Helps detect waste and potential improvements
• Scope: Clearly defines process boundaries
• Baseline: Establishes a starting point for improvements

When to use SIPOC

• At the beginning of process improvement projects
• To document existing processes
• When there is confusion about roles and responsibilities
• To communicate processes to new team members
• As a first step before conducting more detailed analysis

Relationship with other Lean tools

• Value Stream Mapping: SIPOC provides the high-level context before detailed mapping
• Kaizen: Identifies opportunity areas for improvement events
• 5S: Helps understand which inputs and outputs need organization
• Root Cause Analysis: Provides the framework to understand where problems may occur

Practical example

Process: Technical support request handling

Element	Description
Suppliers	Customers, sales team, ticketing system
Inputs	Support tickets, customer information, system logs
Process	Receive ticket → Classify → Assign → Resolve → Close
Outputs	Problem resolved, ticket closed, resolution report
Customers	End customer, sales team, management

Important considerations

• Keep the analysis at macro level, avoid excessive detail
• Include only critical process elements
• Validate the SIPOC with process participants
• Update the diagram when the process changes
• Use as a starting point, not as final analysis

Want to learn more?

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