SIPOC Template
Set a process's scope: suppliers, inputs, steps, outputs, customers.
Example loaded: pump assembly, order to ship.
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How to fill out a SIPOC
- Name the process and its boundaries. Write where it starts (the trigger) and where it ends (the hand-off to the customer).
- List 5 to 7 main steps. Verb plus noun: "Receive order", "Pick parts", "Assemble". High level only.
- List the outputs and who receives each. Products, documents and information. Customers can be internal (the next department) or external.
- List the inputs and who supplies each. Materials, information, equipment and people. Suppliers can be internal too.
- Add customer requirements. For the key outputs, what does the customer need: quantity, time, specification. These become the project measures.
SIPOC example: pump assembly, order to ship
A filled SIPOC for an assembly cell, used to scope a lead time project. The process is an illustration.
| Column | Entries |
|---|---|
| Suppliers | Customer (order) • Planning (released order) • Warehouse (kitted parts) • Tool crib (fixtures) • Quality (inspection plan) |
| Inputs | Purchase order • Work order and traveler • Part kit • Fixture and torque tools • Inspection plan |
| Process | 1 Release work order → 2 Kit parts → 3 Sub-assemble → 4 Final assemble → 5 Test → 6 Inspect → 7 Pack and ship |
| Outputs | Tested pump assembly • Test record • Certificate of conformance • Shipping notice |
| Customers | External customer (pump, certificate) • Quality records (test record) • Finance (shipping notice for invoicing) |
| Requirements | Ships within 10 working days of order • Flow test at rated pressure passed • Certificate with every shipment |
The requirement "ships within 10 working days" became the project measure. The next step was a value stream map of the same seven steps, to find where the days go. See the value stream mapping guide for how.
Why this tool matters
Most improvement projects that stall were scoped badly: nobody agreed where the process starts, where it ends or who the customer is. A SIPOC settles that in under an hour, before anyone collects data, and names the customer requirements the project will be measured against.
Facilitator tip
Fill the Process column first, then work outward. And keep it to 7 steps: if the team wants more, that is the sign to move to a value stream map.
Frequently asked questions
What does SIPOC stand for?
Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers. It is a one-page, high-level view of a process: who supplies what, the 5 to 7 main steps, what comes out and who receives it.
What order do you fill in a SIPOC?
Start with the Process column: name the start and end points, then the 5 to 7 main steps between them. Next fill Outputs and Customers, then Inputs and Suppliers. Working from the process outward keeps the boundaries clear.
What is the difference between SIPOC and a value stream map?
A SIPOC sets scope: where the process starts and stops and who is involved, with no data. A value stream map measures the flow: cycle times, inventory, wait time and lead time at each step. Teams often do a SIPOC first to agree the boundaries, then map the value stream inside them.
When is SIPOC used in Six Sigma?
In the Define phase of DMAIC, to agree the process boundaries and the customers whose requirements set the project goal, before any data is collected.
How many process steps should a SIPOC have?
Five to seven. Fewer and it says nothing; more and it turns into a detailed process map, which is a different tool.