Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can help you streamline processes and improve efficiency. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and discuss how they can be used in a variety of situations.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are used to represent the flow of materials or information between different points. They are named after the Dutch engineer and statistician Jan de Keyser Sankey, who first developed the chart in the early 20th century.

Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing processes with complex interdependencies, such as supply chain management or project management. They can help you identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in your processes, and provide a clear and concise way to communicate these insights to stakeholders.

How to Create Sankey Charts

There are a few different tools that you can use to create Sankey charts, including Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and Sketch. Here is an overview of the steps involved in creating a Sankey chart using Visio:

1. Start by drawing the main flow of your process using arrows.
2. Label each step in the process with a number or a description.
3. Connect the steps in the flow using arrows.
4. Use the Sankey chart properties to adjust the flow direction and shape of the arrows.
5. Customize the chart as needed, including adding colors, symbols, or comments.

Key Features of Sankey Charts

There are several key features that make Sankey charts a valuable tool for process optimization. Here are a few examples:

1. Flow Direction: Sankey charts allow you to easily visualize the flow direction of your process. This can be helpful for identifying bottlenecks or areas where changes can be made to improve efficiency.
2. Interdependencies: Sankey charts can be used to show the interdependencies between different steps in a process. This can help you identify potential risks or opportunities for improvement.
3. Visualization: Sankey charts are a visually compelling way to communicate complex processes. They can help stakeholders better understand and engage with your process, and provide a clear overview of the flow of materials or information.
4. Customization: Sankey charts can be customized in a variety of ways to suit your needs. For example, you can change the colors or symbols used in the chart, or add custom comments or labels to individual steps.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in a wide range of situations. Here are a few examples of how they can be applied:

1. Supply Chain Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or information through a supply chain. This can help identify areas for improvement, such as bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the production process.
2. Project Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of tasks or milestones in a project. This can help identify potential risks or opportunities for improvement, and provide a clear overview of the overall project schedule.
3. Process Improvement: Sankey charts can be used to identify areas for improvement in any process. By visualizing the flow of materials or information, stakeholders can gain a better understanding of the process and identify opportunities for streamlining or optimization.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for process optimization and visualization. They can help you identify areas for improvement, communicate insights effectively to stakeholders, and provide a clear overview of complex processes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create and apply Sankey charts to improve your processes and drive efficiency.

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