Improvement Cymru Academy - Toolkit Guide - SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outcomes and Customer)

Oct 26, 2026

A SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outcomes and Customer) toolkit guide explains how to map business processes end to end using a table-style overview. It covers the purpose, historical background in quality management, and when to apply SIPOC for continuous improvement and shared team understanding. Step-by-step instructions detail identifying suppliers, inputs, process steps, outputs, and customers, plus customer requirements and measures. It includes real-world examples (prescription collection and pizza making), helpful tips, and further resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

What is a Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outcomes and Customer (SIPOC)?

Background

When to use a SIPOC

How to create / use a SIPOC

Identify your suppliers

Identify inputs

Outline the process

Define the outputs

Identify the customer / customers

Analyse the customer requirements

Some Examples

Collecting a prescription from a pharmacy

Making a pizza

Helpful tips for SIPOC

Top 5 benefits

Summary

Additional Resources

Further reading

Improvement Cymru Academy Toolkit Guide Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outcomesand Customer What is a Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outcomes and Customer (SIPOC)? A SIPOC is a tool that summarises the inputs and outputs of one or more processes in table form. It is used to define a business process from beginning to end before work begins using a SIPOC diagram. This can be useful in understanding the requirements of a process to fulfil, and expectations of the customer to ensure the customer receives the goods requested. Background SIPOC traces back to the Total Quality Management programs in the late 1980s. It is used today in Six Sigma and lean manufacturing, including business process management. It isn't meant to provide too much detail, but rather give decision-makers key information about each process. Most often, SIPOC diagrams are used to improve our understanding of the processes associated with customer experience. When to use a SIPOC SIPOC diagrams are useful for focusing a discussion, helping team members agree on a common language and understanding a process for continuous improvement. It gives a one-page overview of the system you are working in to highlight the steps and the requirements from start to finish. How to create / use a SIPOC Identify your suppliers: Who are the suppliers that will provide you with your input? There may be different suppliers for each input. If this is the case list all suppliers. A supplier is anyone who has a direct impact on the output. Identify Inputs: Identify the materials and resources needed for the process. Outline the process: This is an overview of the process. This is the starting and end points of the process listing the high-level steps of actions and subjects. Define the outputs: These can be materials, services, products, or information required. Identify the customer / customers: Define who or what you are targeting with the outputs of your process. The customer does not have to be external; this could be members within a team and senior stakeholders. Analyse the customer requirements: What are the process measures or requirements for the product or service. These are usually determined by the customer or regulatory body. Some Examples: Here is an example of collecting a prescription from a pharmacy. As you can see using the SIPOC process allows you to identify the requirements of each section within the SIPOC form with your team, then exploring the process in as much detail as you need, this may be high level or a more detailed level dependant on the requirements. | SIPOC Example: Collecting a prescription from a pharmacy | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | Suppliers | Inputs | Process | Outputs | Customer | | Who are the suppliers? | What components, knowledge or materials need to be introduced
into the process? | What are the steps in the process where are the key issues? | What are the final products or services for the customer as a result of the process? | Who are the customers of the process? Who are the end users of that the business sells? | Doctor Pharmacy Prescription Telephone Computer Printer Medicines Dosage advice Allergies Person prescribed medication Here’s another example of making a pizza, which captures the key elements from start to finish and the stakeholders required to deliver the product to the customer. Helpful tips for SIPOC: Here are the top 5 benefits of a SIPOC diagram. • Helps to define a process. A SIPOC diagram provides an overall look at a process. • Helps to identify problems within a process. • Helps to improve communication. • Helps to reduce waste. • Can be used for multiple purposes. Summary A SIPOC diagram helps you to determine the right input and process as per the requirements of the customers by knowing their needs and requirement and manipulating the process to bring the results or outputs that you are expecting in

FAQs

What does a SIPOC diagram summarize?

A SIPOC summarizes the inputs and outputs of one or more processes in table form, helping teams define a process from beginning to end before work starts.

When should a team use a SIPOC?

Use a SIPOC when you need to focus a discussion, align team members on common language, and support continuous improvement with a one-page overview of steps and requirements.

What steps are included when creating a SIPOC?

Create it by identifying suppliers, inputs, high-level process steps, outputs, customers, and then analysing customer requirements and process measures.

Oct 26, 2026

Upload by WPS_1786070896