What is the purpose of a SIPOC diagram?

The purpose of a SIPOC diagram is to provide a high-level overview of a process by identifying the Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers involved. It is a tool used in process mapping and improvement efforts, particularly in Six Sigma initiatives. The correct answer relates to determining inputs that do not meet requirements because SIPOC diagrams help teams visualize the relationship between the process elements, making it easier to identify the quality of inputs. By mapping out the inputs in the SIPOC, teams can assess whether those inputs meet established requirements and standards, which is critical for ensuring that the outputs produced by the process are of high quality and meet customer needs.

The other choices do not align with the primary function of a SIPOC diagram. The focus is not on releasing suppliers from contracts or renegotiating requirements, as these actions pertain more to supplier management and contractual agreements rather than process mapping. Additionally, identifying outputs to slow down for customer handling is not a relevant function of a SIPOC, since its primary goal is to clarify and document the various components of the process rather than manage the pace of output handling.