Input (Variables) Map (#32)

We have split the article about the “Six Sigma Root Cause Analysis” into a four-part series. The Input (Variables) Map is part two in this series. The other parts include:

SIPOC(R) Diagram
Cause and Effect (C&E) Matrix
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

The goal of the Input (Variables) Map is to define the Inputs (X’s) of your process so you can completely understand what Outputs (Y’s) are necessary. The main Six Sigma equation is Y=f(X1, X2, X3, Xn).

Step 1
List the Process Steps as the “P” (Process) in your SIPOC. You should have 12 steps or less; anything more than 12 steps and your project scope will be too big.

Step 2
Enter the measurable Outputs from each step as the Process Measurable Outputs. Each Output is related to it’s individual Step rather than the Input. This means that you do not have to have the same amount of Inputs as you do Outputs. I.E. you can have 10 inputs in your “Input” column with only 4 correlating outputs in your “Output” column.

Step 3
List the Process Inputs. Each Input needs to be listed as noun (3 words or less). Write down every possible Input for your Process, even if you think that it may not be important. The Cause and Effect Matrix will help you eliminate those Inputs that are not necessary.

Step 4
Identify each Variable by it’s type: Uncontrollable (U) or Controllable (C). C Inputs are the type of Variables that can be altered when the process is going, I.E. you can alter the temperature of the water or the settings on the shower head while you are taking a shower. U Inputs are the type of Variables that cannot be altered when the process is going because you cannot control these variables or you’re not willing to control them (due to finances or politics, etc.). Example: when cutting the grass, the weather could change from sunshine to rain, and you can’t control it.


After you have completed your Input Map and identified the Process Inputs, you can move on to the Cause and Effect Matrix.


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SSDSI will come to your site to train for your choice of the Lean Six Sigma Certification Levels. Onsite training is more cost effective than open enrollment training when training larger groups of team members.
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