What does SIPOC stand for?

SIPOC is a high-level process mapping tool commonly used in Six Sigma and lean methodologies. It stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers, which helps teams understand the key elements in a process before diving into improvements or analysis.

The purpose of SIPOC is to provide a clear overview of a process, allowing stakeholders to identify who provides inputs (suppliers), what those inputs are, the tasks involved in the process itself, the outputs generated, and who ultimately receives or uses those outputs (customers). This structured approach helps teams ensure that they are considering all relevant aspects of a process when looking for improvements.

In contrast, other options presented do not accurately reflect the SIPOC framework. Different phrases were used in those options, which lack alignment with the accepted terminology and purpose of SIPOC as it is taught within Six Sigma methodologies. Understanding SIPOC is crucial for successfully mapping processes and identifying areas for improvement, making it an essential tool in the Six Sigma toolkit.