What is a SIPOC diagram?
A SIPOC diagram is a one-page, high-level view of a process. It lists the Suppliers, Inputs, Process steps, Outputs and Customers, together with the points where the process starts and ends. It is a staple of Six Sigma's Define phase and of ISO 9001 process documentation because it forces a team to agree on scope before diving into detail.
The five SIPOC columns
| Column | Question | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Suppliers | Who provides the inputs? | Vendors, upstream departments, customers, systems |
| Inputs | What does the process need? | Materials, information, specifications, approvals |
| Process | What are the main steps? | 4 to 7 high-level activities |
| Outputs | What does the process produce? | Products, services, records, data |
| Customers | Who receives the outputs? | External customers, downstream teams, regulators |
SIPOC example
The example scopes incoming material inspection. It starts when a shipment arrives and ends when the material is released or rejected. Five steps take the lot from quarantine through sampling and testing to a release decision. Outputs include released stock, inspection records and nonconformance reports, received by production, QA, purchasing and the supplier (as performance feedback).
Next step: map the detail with a process flowchart, or define the process controls with a turtle diagram.
Tips for a useful SIPOC
- Agree the boundaries first. A clear start and end prevents scope creep.
- Stay high level. Detail belongs in flowcharts; the SIPOC is the map of the map.
- Be specific about outputs. "Report" is vague; "Certificate of analysis per lot" is useful.
- Include internal customers and suppliers. Most quality problems happen at internal hand-offs.
How to use this SIPOC tool
- Name the process and set its boundaries. Click the banner to name the process and define where it starts and ends.
- List 4 to 7 high-level steps. Fill the Process column with the main steps, written as verb + object.
- Identify outputs. List what the process produces: products, services, records, data.
- Identify customers. List who receives each output, internal or external.
- Identify inputs and suppliers. List what the process needs to run and who provides it.
- Validate and export. Review the SIPOC with the process owner and stakeholders, then export it for your project charter or procedure.
Frequently asked questions
What does SIPOC stand for?
SIPOC stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers. A SIPOC diagram summarizes a process on one page by listing who supplies what, the main process steps, what the process produces and who receives it.
When should I use a SIPOC diagram?
Use a SIPOC at the start of an improvement project (the Define phase of DMAIC), when scoping a process for documentation or an audit, or when onboarding people to a process. It aligns the team on the process boundaries before detailed mapping.
How many process steps should a SIPOC have?
Keep the Process column at a high level: typically 4 to 7 steps. If you need more, the SIPOC is too detailed; capture the detail in a process flowchart or swimlane diagram instead.
In what order should I fill in a SIPOC?
Most teams start with the Process column and its start and end points, then list Outputs and Customers, and finally Inputs and Suppliers. Working from the customer backwards keeps the focus on what the process must deliver.
What is the difference between SIPOC and COPIS?
COPIS is the same diagram filled in the opposite direction, starting from Customers. It emphasizes customer requirements. The content is identical; this tool works for both approaches.
Can I export my SIPOC to Excel?
Yes. Export a SIPOC table to Excel or CSV, the diagram to PNG, or a full PDF report. You can also save a file to keep editing later. The tool is free with no sign-up.