In my previous article, I introduced the Project Charter, the first and most important tool in the Define phase of a Lean Six Sigma project. The Project Charter helps set the foundation by clearly defining the problem, scope, and objectives. But once the project is approved, the next step is to understand the process itself—and that’s where SIPOC comes in.

SIPOC is a simple but powerful tool that helps visualize a process at a high level, showing how work flows from suppliers to customers. In this article, I’ll break down what SIPOC is, why it’s useful, and how to create one step by step. By the end, you’ll be able to use SIPOC to identify key process elements, align stakeholders, and set a solid foundation for further analysis.

Where Does SIPOC Fit in DMAIC?

SIPOC is used in the Define phase of DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control). It helps you:

✅ Clearly define a process before making changes

✅ Ensure alignment between suppliers, processes, and customers

✅ Identify key inputs and outputs to measure performance

Think of SIPOC as a bridge between the Project Charter and the deeper analysis in later phases. While the Project Charter defines what problem needs solving, SIPOC shows how the process currently works before making improvements.

What is SIPOC?

SIPOC stands for:

• S – Suppliers: Who provides the inputs for the process?
• I – Inputs: What materials, information, or resources go into the process?
• P – Process: What are the high-level steps of the process?
• O – Outputs: What are the results of the process?
• C – Customers: Who receives the outputs of the process?

This simple table helps teams understand the key elements of a process at a glance, making it easier to spot inefficiencies or areas for improvement.

How to Create a SIPOC Step by Step

Step 1: Identify the Process to Map

Start by selecting the process you want to improve. If you’re following the Project Charter from my previous article, this is already defined.

✅ Example: The order fulfillment process, where delays have been identified as a major issue.

Step 2: Define the High-Level Process Steps

List 4–7 major steps of the process without too much detail.

✅ Example:

1. Receive customer order
2. Check inventory
3. Pick and pack items
4. Ship order
5. Send tracking information

Step 3: Identify the Outputs

Determine what the process produces. These are the things that customers receive.

✅ Example: Shipped order, tracking number, invoice.

Step 4: Identify the Customers

Who receives the outputs? These could be external (e.g., customers) or internal (e.g., other departments).

✅ Example: Customers, Sales Team, Customer Service.

Step 5: Identify the Inputs

What materials, data, or resources are needed for the process to function?

✅ Example: Customer order details, inventory data, packaging materials.

Step 6: Identify the Suppliers

Who provides the inputs? These could be vendors, IT systems, or internal teams.

✅ Example: Vendors, warehouse team, IT system providing order data.

Once all elements are mapped, you’ll have a clear high-level view of the process, which helps align teams and focus improvement efforts.

How SIPOC Links to the Next Steps in DMAIC

SIPOC helps ensure everyone has a shared understanding of how a process works before making changes. It also sets the stage for the next Measure phase, where I’ll introduce Process Mapping—a deeper dive into identifying waste, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies in the workflow.

If you’ve created a Project Charter and now mapped your process with SIPOC, you’re well on your way to a structured, data-driven improvement project.

Next Up: Process Mapping – Identifying Waste and Inefficiencies in Your Workflow

Now that I’ve covered SIPOC, the next step is diving deeper into how work flows. In the next article, I’ll walk through Process Mapping—a tool that helps visualize the detailed steps of a process to uncover hidden inefficiencies.

Stay Tuned!