Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that can be used to visualize and optimize processes. They were invented by a Swiss engineer named Rudolph Sankey in the early 20th century and have since become a popular tool for process analysis and improvement. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a Sankey chart and explore the many applications of this powerful visualization tool.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that is used to show the flow of materials, goods, or services through a process. It is often used to visualize and optimize supply chain processes, production processes, and other types of complex operations.

One of the unique features of a Sankey chart is that it uses different colored arrows to represent different types of flow, rather than lines or boxes. This allows for a more detailed and nuanced view of the process, making it easier to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart is a simple process that can be done using a variety of tools. Some popular options include Microsoft Excel, Lucidchart, and Visio.

Here are the steps for creating a Sankey chart in Microsoft Excel:

1. Open a new Excel workbook.
2. Enter your data into the first few cells of the workbook. This will typically include the starting point and the end point of the process, as well as any intermediate steps or inputs/outputs.
3. Format the data into a table.
4. Insert a flowchart template into the workbook. This will typically include a Sankey chart shape.
5. Customize the chart by adding shapes and connecting the data in the table to the corresponding shapes.
6. Format the chart to your liking.

Once you have created your Sankey chart, you can use it to analyze and optimize your processes. For example, you might use it to identify areas where waste or inefficiencies are occurring, or to brainstorm ways to improve the overall flow of the process.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in a wide range of industries and applications. Some common examples include:

• Supply chain management: Sankey charts are ideal for visualizing and optimizing supply chain processes, including order fulfillment, inventory management, and transportation.
• Manufacturing: Sankey charts can be used to diagram the flow of materials or steps through a manufacturing process, helping to identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
• Process improvement: Sankey charts can be used to analyze and improve any type of process, from customer service to IT support.
• Environmental management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or pollutants through an environmental process, helping to identify areas where waste or pollution can be reduced.

In summary, Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can be used to optimize and streamline processes in a wide range of industries and applications. By using a Sankey chart, you can gain valuable insights into your processes and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency and productivity.

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