SIPOC template

What is a SIPOC diagram template?

A SIPOC diagram template is a high-level process mapping tool that helps teams visualize how work flows from start to finish. The acronym stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers — the five core elements that define any business process. The template visually organizes these components in a way that clearly shows relationships and project dependencies, making it easier for teams to identify gaps or opportunities for improvement.

Why use a SIPOC diagram?

SIPOC diagrams help teams align on process scope, roles, and responsibilities before diving into details. By providing a clear overview of suppliers, inputs, processes, outputs, and customers, they improve communication, boost efficiency, and support better quality control across the team.

What are the key elements of a SIPOC diagram?

Every SIPOC diagram includes five essential components that work together to map your entire process from start to finish:

Supplier

These are the people, departments, or organizations that provide the materials, information, or services needed to start the process. Suppliers can be internal team members, external vendors, or automated systems that generate data.

Inputs

Inputs include all the resources, materials, data, or information required to execute the process successfully. This covers everything from raw materials and budget approvals to customer requirements and technical specifications.

Process

The process represents the sequential steps that turn inputs into outputs, typically shown as high-level activities. These steps capture the core work that happens between receiving inputs and delivering results.

Outputs

Outputs are the products, services, decisions, or information that the process generates. They should be specific and measurable whenever possible to make it clear what success looks like.

Customers

Customers are the individuals, departments, or organizations that receive and use the outputs. Like suppliers, customers can be internal stakeholders or external clients who rely on the process's output.

Tips for creating an effective SIPOC diagram

When creating an SIPOC diagram, begin with a high-level perspective before delving into the specifics. The power of a SIPOC diagram comes from its simplicity, so resist the urge to include every minor detail. Focus on the significant steps and key relationships that define the process. You can always create more detailed workflow charts later if needed.

Involve key stakeholders from the start to ensure accuracy and completeness. The people who actually perform the work or depend on its outputs will have insights that might not be obvious to process analysts or managers.

How to make a SIPOC diagram

Step 1. Define the process you want to map

Identify the process scope and set clear start and end points for your analysis. Maintain a high-level view before diving into details, as this foundational step determines everything that follows in your diagram.

Step 2. Determine who provides the inputs for the process

List all suppliers that provide materials, data, or resources needed for the process to function. Include both internal sources, such as other departments, and external sources, like vendors, to ensure you capture all dependencies.

Step 3. Identify the inputs needed to run the process

Document all necessary resources, information, or tools required at each stage of the process. Ensure each input links to a specific step in your workflow to help identify dependencies and potential bottlenecks.

Step 4. Break the process into sequential steps

Outline significant steps from start to finish, avoiding unnecessary detail. Typically, it takes 4-7 high-level activities to turn inputs into outputs. Use clear, concise language for each step, keeping in mind that you can develop detailed process flow charts for complex workflows later.

Step 5. List the results the process produces

Identify all outputs, products, or services that the process generates. Make outputs measurable or observable when possible, as clear definitions help everyone understand what success looks like.

Step 6. Specify who receives or benefits from the outputs

List all customers, stakeholders, or departments that use the outputs from your process. Highlight both internal recipients, like other teams, and external customers, as understanding these relationships helps prioritize improvements.