SIPOC Diagram: Definition and Steps

SIPOC diagram is a Six Sigma tool used for documenting business processes. The word SIPOC stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers which form the columns of the diagram. SIPOC diagram visually documents a business process from beginning to end. Because the diagram doesn’t contain much detail about the process, it is often called a high-level process map.

Benefits of SIPOC Diagram

The diagram is useful in a number of ways. For starters, it gives people unfamiliar with the business process a high-level overview. Because the diagram contains only the most basic information, it also works well if you need to quickly fill in a new person or update someone who worked on the process in the past.

SIPOC diagram is also used to kick-start problem-solving within the business process. First of all, the diagram is useful if the team needs to agree on the common language and understanding of the process. This way you can make sure everyone is on the same page before you continue. Second, SIPOC diagram can be your first step in creating a process map. This tool gives you the first coherent view of your process and sets the foundation for Six Sigma DMAIC strategy (usually used during the “Define” phase of DMAIC). Finally, SIPOC diagram can clarify a few things for your team, including:

  • Who are the suppliers of the given process?
  • What requirements should the inputs fulfill?
  • Who are your true customers?
  • What specification do customers want for the end product?

What is Tallyfy?

Tallyfy helps you document and automate tasks between co-workers and clients

Click here to learn about Tallyfy

How To Construct SIPOC Diagrams

SIPOC diagram example

Source: sipoc.info

SIPOC diagram has a pretty straightforward structure. Its whole purpose is to present the information at the core of the process in the simplest way possible. To construct one, you can start with a table with 5 columns. Then, label each column with the letters SIPOC or the words Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers.

Alternatively, you can download a template on the web. Once you have it let’s move on to filling it out.

1. Start with the process

If you decided to construct a SIPOC diagram, you probably already know which process you want to analyze. Write the name of the process into the middle column and briefly describe its key steps. You can either list them or draw a simple flowchart to make it easier to comprehend. When completing this step, keep a few things in mind:

  • Make sure you know the exact starting and ending points of the process. If you don’t, this can mess up the whole diagram once you move to the other columns.
  • Don’t go into too much detail. Remember, SIPOC diagram is a high-level process map and is designed to get a birds-eye overview of the process. Do not include decision points or feedback loops.

2. Identify the outputs of the process

As with the previous step, focus on the key outputs of the process. In this step, write down the three or more main outputs. Use nouns for the most part and keep the tone neutral. Your goal is to avoid categorizing your outputs into good or bad ones – that’s not the point of the diagram.

3. Identify the customers

In this step, list the people who benefit from the process. These don’t have to be the literal “customers.” E.g., if you are working on a diagram for an internal process, the “customers” are your coworkers. Think of who benefits from this process. Who would be upset if the process is not complete?

  • When doing the research for this step, up your game by noting customers’ requirements in the “Output” column.

4. List the inputs for the process

Here you write down the inputs required for the process to function properly. Just like with every previous step, focus on the most important ones. Four to six main inputs should do.

5. Identify the suppliers of the inputs

In the Suppliers column, write down the suppliers based on what inputs the process uses. Be sure to mention any specific suppliers whose input has a direct influence on the output. For example, imagine you’re doing a SIPOC diagram for the process “Making tomato sauce.” If the supplier has an impact on the variation of “Taste” output, you definitely want to list them.

Conclusion

SIPOC diagram is one of the oldest and most-trusted ways to map a business process in the most general way. It gives you a birds-eye overview of the process that could help you with onboarding a new team member or be the foundation of a future business process improvement initiative.


Is this post written for a search engine or for you?

Many B2B cloud software companies invest in blog posts in the hope of ranking high on search engines like Google. What they’re doing is writing articles around keywords, which are terms customers are likely to search for on Google. The posts don’t offer valuable information or make any sense.

But then if you’re reading something that doesn’t make sense, how are you supposed to make informed buying decisions?

We have a lot to say about workflow and we truly believe in continuos improvement. But it’s not really about us. We publish these articles to help you find Tallyfy, and to provide you with information that will help you make informed buying decisions.

Ready to automate your workflows? Check out Tallyfy.

How exactly do we conduct research?

We research topics down to the bone. We nitpick, we argue about what to keep and what to throw out. It’s a lot of work. We consult academic sources for scholarly citations to support our points. We gather data to summarize particular points. At Tallyfy – 3 independent experts validate and edit every article from the draft stage. That includes verifying facts and their sources.

Why did we write this article?

Tallyfy believes in helpful and authoritative content that helps people. Our customers requested us to write about this topic so we attempted to put together the highest quality article available anywhere – that’s our goal. Work like this takes a lot of effort. If you liked this article please share the link with your coworkers via email, or on LinkedIn.

About the author - Amit Kothari

Related Posts

Workflow Mess?
Start Tallyfying

Turn chaotic, manual processes into simple, digitized workflows that anyone can track in real-time

  • Eliminate Busywork – Save 2 hours per person per day
  • Delegate Automatically – To people or AI
  • Track Workflows – Gain visibility and control with real-time status
  • Grow Fast – Scale operations without friction or pain
  • Standardize – Ensure consistently high quality outcomes every time
  • No More Admin – Automate handoffs & reminders to people
  • Organizations in get a discount for life!

Track all your workflows beautifully - on Tallyfy