SIPOC Map Tutorial

Tutorial

When to use this tool

A form of Process Map is the SIPOC Map or Diagram, which breaks down process elements into five categories: Supplier, Input, Processing, Output, and Customer.

SIPOC Maps are specific type of process map - a visual tool used to target Six Sigma projects and other improvement activities by organizing all process elements of a value stream into five categories: Supplier - Input - Process - Output - Customer. Construction of a SIPOC Map helps to clarify the scope of a project by capturing the full breadth of related process activities - which are often much more involved than they initially appear.

How to use this tool in EngineRoom

The best way to create a SIPOC map is by starting with the processing steps, and working backward to identify inputs and the suppliers of those inputs. Follow these steps:

1. Select SIPOC Map from the Define (DMAIC) menu or Planning (Standard) menu.
2. Click "Add Process Step Row" to add additional rows.
3. For each step in the process, work to the left to identify Inputs and Suppliers of each Input.
4. For each step in the process, work to the right to identify Outputs and Customers of each Output.
5. You can click on the diagonal lines in the lower right hand corner of the text boxes to drag and expand them.
6. You can drag the boxes around the screen, but make sure to keep your rows lined up as they were originally created.

A SIPOC Map of the manufacturing company example is shown below: