Lean
SIPOC
A high-level Six Sigma tool for defining process boundaries. A single table gives the full context of a process.
Purpose
SIPOC is a high-level model that fits into a single five-column table:
- Suppliers — who supplies the resources for the process
- Inputs — what exactly comes in
- Process — the 4–6 main steps of the process
- Outputs — what the process produces
- Customers — who consumes the result
This simple structure sets the boundaries of the process and its context: what is inside the area of responsibility and what lies outside it.
When to use it
SIPOC is ideal for:
- Starting a BPM project — it gives a quick shared understanding
- Agreeing the process boundaries with the sponsor
- Preparing for more detailed modeling (BPMN, VSM)
- Teaching and presenting to a non-professional audience
Example
| Suppliers | Inputs | Process | Outputs | Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer | Loan application | 1. Intake | Approved loan | Customer |
| CRM system | Customer data | 2. Scoring | Rejection with reason | Regulator |
| Credit bureau | Credit history | 3. Verification | Contract | Accounting |
| 4. Decision | ||||
| 5. Fulfillment |
Strengths
- Learned in 15 minutes
- Any tool — Excel, Word, a whiteboard
- High value as a project starting point
Limitations
- Does not describe process details
- Does not show branching and loops
- Not suitable for documentation or automation