Systems › Business Pipeline · 2 of 4
SIPOC
By RISE Business Framework · Created by Gary Harper and Brandon McCurdy · Reviewed
SIPOC stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers. It is a one-page overview of a process that comes from Six Sigma and Lean. RISE uses it to define a process before launch and spot issues early. The worksheet breaks the Process column into five steps.
How RISE does it
- Columns: Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers.
- The Process column is broken into Step 1 through Step 5.
- Built before launch to find issues and adjust early.
- Used to clearly define processes and reduce risk.
SIPOC is one of four tools in Business Pipeline, part of the Systems quadrant of the RISE Business Framework.
The RISE tool
RISE SIPOC worksheet
Fill in each column for one process. Keep the process to five high-level steps.
| Suppliers | Inputs | Process | Outputs | Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who provides what the process needs | What the process uses | Step 1 | What the process produces | Who receives the outputs |
| Step 2 | ||||
| Step 3 | ||||
| Step 4 | ||||
| Step 5 |
“SIPOC is the key to streamlining operations and maintaining consistency in business processes.”Gary Harper
AI RISE Coach
Work through SIPOC with the AI RISE Coach
“Walk me through SIPOC in the RISE Business Framework and help me apply it to my business.”
Quick self-check
“We have a clear understanding of our business pipeline from customer acquisition to referral.”
Frequently asked questions
What is a SIPOC diagram?
A SIPOC diagram is a high-level map of a process. It lists the Suppliers, Inputs, Process steps, Outputs and Customers on one page.
What does SIPOC stand for?
Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers.
When should you use a SIPOC?
Use it before a process is launched or changed. It gives the team a full overview so issues can be fixed before launch.
The other tools in Business Pipeline
- PipelineAn eight-stage wheel for speeding up the flow of work, from Baselining through Cross Train.
- Cycle TimeThe time a task or process takes from start to finish, including waiting time and delays, tracked for up to five cycles.
- Cash Conversion CycleHow long it takes to buy inventory, sell it and collect cash, tracked as a Key Profit Indicator in days.
Related in another quadrant: Finance
