A SIPOC Map is high-level summary of the process. It provides a big picture view of the important elements of the process to gain deeper understanding of the context in which the process occurs. SIPOC is an acronym that stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers.

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SIPOC Analysis
An Important Step Toward Process Improvement
S I P O C

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Definition
A SIPOC Map is a high-level summary of a process which provides an
overview of the process at a glance.
SIPOC Analysis 2
SIPOC analysis provides a big picture view of the key elements of a process to
understand of the context in which the process occurs.

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Definition
Represents the main components of the process . . .
SIPOC Analysis 3
SUPPLIERS PROCESS CUSTOMERS
INPUTS OUTPUTS
. . . and allows to gather information related to a process including customers,
suppliers, inputs and outputs.

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Uses
Widely used in process design and process improvement initiatives such as
Lean Six Sigma to define the scope and boundaries of the process.
SIPOC Analysis 4
S I P O C 10
50
20
60 40
30
Helps gathering relevant information about the process when it is too early for a
detailed process map or flowchart.

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Uses
Often conducted at the beginning of the process improvement initiative.
SIPOC Analysis 5
DMAIC Kaizen Event
During the Define phase of the
DMAIC methodology or during the
planning phase of Kaizen events.

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Uses
SIPOC analysis can also be used when investigating a process to present
the information in a format that is easy to view and understand.
SIPOC Analysis 6
1 2 4
3

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Uses
And since it considers the customers and their needs, it is a practical way to
make sense of the Voice of the Customer.
SIPOC Analysis 7

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Benefits
SIPOC Analysis 8
Defines the scope of work for a
project
02
Helps understanding the
relationships between inputs
and outputs
03
Helps to identify the areas that are
within or beyond the control of the
team
05
Helps to start thinking in terms
of cause and effect
06
Helps to identify potential gaps
such as unnecessary inputs,
outputs that customers don’t
want, and process steps that
add no value
04
Helps ensuring that everyone
understands the core process
and its main components
01

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Structure
Specifies the main activities of the process and identifies the potential
suppliers, inputs, outputs, and customers.
SIPOC Analysis 9
INPUTS PROCESS OUTPUTS CUSTOMERS
SUPPLIERS

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SUPPLIERS
SIPOC Analysis 10
Any person or company that
supplies inputs
Suppliers include both external sources like vendors and regulatory agencies, and
internal providers such as departments and individuals.

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INPUTS
SIPOC Analysis 11
These inputs are typically provided by suppliers and are transformed or utilized
within the process to generate the desired outputs.
The materials, energy, information,
people, customer requirement,
customer feedback, and financial
resources which are needed to
execute the process

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PROCESS
SIPOC Analysis 12
These are just the major high-level process activities to ensure everyone grasps the
overall flow and purpose of the process.
The collection of activities that
together transform inputs into
outputs that is of value to the
customer

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OUTPUTS
SIPOC Analysis 13
They could be in the form of physical products, services, reports, information,
decisions, or any outcomes that meet the needs of the customers.
Represent the results or deliverables
generated by the process

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CUSTOMERS
SIPOC Analysis 14
They are the ultimate recipients of the products, services, information, or decisions
produced by the process.
The individuals, groups, or entities
that receive or benefit from the
outputs of the process

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CUSTOMERS
• Customers can be internal or external to the
organization.
• They don’t have to be actual customers of the
process. There may be many stakeholders who
have something at stake in the success of the
process.
• Their satisfaction can determine the success
and effectiveness of the process.
SIPOC Analysis 15

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Summary
SIPOC Analysis 16
SUPPLIERS
Resource
suppliers
The providers of the
necessary inputs
that directly
contribute to
creating the outputs
PROCESS
Macro
description
The sequenced
activities that
transform the input
into value-added
outputs to
customers
CUSTOMERS
Process
customers
The users or
recipients of the
outputs
INPUTS
Resources needed
by the process
Materials, people,
information, and
other resources
required to execute
the process
OUTPUTS
Process
outputs
The products or
services resulted
from the process
(wanted and
unwanted)

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Customer Feedback
Process inputs can be reviewed based on the voice of the customer
feedback on whether the outputs met their requirements.
SIPOC Analysis 17
SUPPLIERS PROCESS CUSTOMERS
INPUTS OUTPUTS
Customer Feedback

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Steps for Conducting SIPOC Analysis
SIPOC Analysis 18
Clearly explain the purpose for creating the SIPOC map
• Emphasize that the map must represent the situation as it exist, now how it
should be.

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Steps for Conducting SIPOC Analysis
SIPOC Analysis 19
Hang out five large flipcharts to allow the team to provide their input on each of the five SIPOC elements
• Allow the team to provide inputs on each of the five elements.
S I P O C

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Steps for Conducting SIPOC Analysis
SIPOC Analysis 20
Begin with the process by writing the key highest-level steps
• Start each process step with a verb whenever possible.
S I P
Xxxx
Xxx
Xxxxx
Xxx
O C

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Steps for Conducting SIPOC Analysis
SIPOC Analysis 21
Use brainstorming to identify the primary outputs and the customers who will receive those outputs
• Use brainstorming to identify the primary inputs and the suppliers of those
inputs.
S
Xxxx
Xxx
Xxxxx
I
Xxx
Xxxx
Xxxx
Xxxxx
P
Xxxx
Xxx
Xxxxx
Xxx
O
Xxx
Xxxx
Xxxx
C
Xxxx
Xxx
Xxxxx
Xxx

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Steps for Conducting SIPOC Analysis
SIPOC Analysis 22
Take time to ensure the appropriateness and completeness of the recorded information
• Discuss the SIPOC map with key stakeholders to verify accuracy.
• Identify KPIs to ensure the capability of the process to deliver an output that
meets customer requirements.

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Steps for Conducting SIPOC Analysis
Remember the correct order for conducting a SIPOC analysis.
SUPPLIERS INPUTS PROCESS OUTPUTS CUSTOMERS
Where does
the process start?
1
What is the
process?
Where does it
process finish?
2
What are the
process
outputs?
3
Who are the
customers of
each output?
5
Who supplies
each input?
4
What inputs are
needed by the
process to meet
the customers'
expectations?
Once you have gathered this information, organize it into a SIPOC diagram.
SIPOC Analysis 23

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Useful Questions
SIPOC Analysis 24
SUPPLIERS INPUTS PROCESS OUTPUTS CUSTOMERS
• Where does the
inputs of the
process come
from?
• How do you
communicate
requirements to
the suppliers?
• Identify what is
needed for the
process?
• What effect do
the inputs have
on the process
and on the
outputs?
• How do they
affect the process
flow?
• What are the
requirements for
each input?
• What are you
producing with
the process?
• At what points
does the process
start and finish?
• How can you
summarize the
process in few
steps (seven
steps or less)?
• Does the process
feed into another
process?
• What product
does the process
make?
• What other
outputs does the
process make?
• Who are the
customers of
these outputs?
• Are they
individuals,
departments,
other processes?
• What are the
customers needs
& requirements?
• What do the
customers expect
from each
output?

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Example – Submit and Implement an Idea Process
The following is an example of a SIPOC map for an idea generation and
implementation process.
SIPOC Analysis 25
Submit and
Implement an
Idea
PROCESS
Employees
Evaluation panel
SUPPLIERS
Idea description
Estimated benefits
Costs
Evaluation criteria
INPUTS
Implemented
Improvement
Appreciation letter
or reward
HR records
OUTPUTS
Departments
Employees
HR team
CUSTOMERS
Submit an idea
Review and
evaluate the idea
Implement the
idea
Report results
Appreciate /
reward
employee

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Example – Purchase a Car Process
The following is an example of a SIPOC map outlining the car purchasing
process at a car dealership.
SIPOC Analysis 26
Purchase a Car
PROCESS
Dealers
Individuals
SUPPLIERS
Models
Specifications
Price
Availability
INPUTS
Car
Payment
Paperwork
Service contract
Delivery date
OUTPUTS
Individuals
Companies
CUSTOMERS
Determine car
option
Review
specifications
Test drive
Negotiate
price
Sign
paperwork
Collect car

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Example – Conduct a Job Interview Process
Here is an example of a SIPOC map illustrating the job interview process
during recruitment within a company.
SIPOC Analysis 27
Conduct a Job
Interview
PROCESS
Job agencies
Job applicants
SUPPLIERS
Interview purpose
Applicant profile
Interview place
Time and date
INPUTS
Interview notes
Updated applicant
profile
OUTPUTS
Recruitment team
Departments
CUSTOMERS
Notify
applicant of
schedule
Notify
interview
panel
Prepare
questions
Arrange
room
Meet
applicant
Ask
questions
Close
interview

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Example – Conduct a Job Interview Process
Note that you can represent the process activities in this list format . . .
SIPOC Analysis 28
Conduct a Job
Interview
Notify applicant of
schedule
Notify interview panel
Prepare questions
Arrange room
Meet applicant
Ask questions
Close interview
PROCESS
Job agencies
Job applicants
SUPPLIERS
Interview purpose
Applicant profile
Interview place
Time and date
INPUTS
Interview notes
Updated applicant
profile
OUTPUTS
Recruitment team
Departments
CUSTOMERS

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Further Information
In your SIPOC analysis, you have created a top-level process map showing
only the basic steps of the process.
SIPOC Analysis 29
S I P O C
You can add the details to the process map that you will draw later.

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Further Information
Sometimes it is useful to display on the SIPOC map guides to describe the
process, and the resources that are required to transform the inputs into
outputs.
SIPOC Analysis 30
Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Suppliers
GUIDES
Policies, procedures, specification, legislation, standards, objectives and targets
RESOURCES
People, equipment, hardware, software, systems, tools and facilities

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Further Information
Another SIPOC model is the SIPOC+CM . . .
• ‘C’ stands for the constraints facing the process.
• ‘M’ stands for the measures being used.
SIPOC Analysis 31
Inputs Process Outputs Customers
Suppliers
CONSTRAINTS
Such as the shortage in human resources or limited funds
MEASURES
Such as the number of defects or defective units

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Further Information
The IPO is a simpler model that represents a simpler structure for describing a
process. It focuses on the internal workings of a system or process.
SIPOC Analysis 32
It is widely used in various fields, including business, engineering, and computer science,
to analyze and design systems or processes for improved efficiency and effectiveness.

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