SIPOCDiagramm

SIPOCDiagramm is a diagrammatic tool used in process management and quality improvement to map the essential elements of a process and its external context. In German-language practice it is described as an extension or variant of the classic SIPOC diagram, adding a sixth dimension to improve traceability, governance, and documentation throughout process work.

The core elements of a SIPOCDiagramm are typically shown as six columns: Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers, and a sixth dimension denoted by D. The D element can be interpreted in different organizations as Documentation, Deliverables, or Data, depending on the context. Each column summarizes who provides or receives what, what is required to perform the process, the high-level activities involved, and the intended results, with an eye toward alignment with customer needs and regulatory or organizational requirements.

Construction typically begins with a cross-functional team that defines the process scope and the intended outcome. The team then assigns each element to the corresponding column and fills in concise items, ensuring that inputs and outputs are linked to specific suppliers and customers. The D dimension is populated with relevant documentation, deliverables, or data controls, such as records, standards, or performance metrics. The completed diagram is used to validate process boundaries, identify interfaces, and support communication across stakeholders.

Applications include scoping process improvements, supplier and workflow analyses, project planning, and training. Benefits are improved clarity, better stakeholder alignment, and enhanced ability to track requirements and compliance. Limitations include its high-level nature and the need for regular updates as processes evolve. See also SIPOC, process mapping, and Lean Six Sigma.