Sankey charts are a powerful visual tool for understanding and optimizing workflows. They are especially useful for identifying unnecessary steps, opportunities for improvement, and areas where resources can be reallocated. In this guide, we will explore the basics of creating Sankey charts, as well as some common applications.
What are Sankey charts?
Sankey charts are named after the Irish chemist and physicist, William Edward Sankey, who first invented them in the early 20th century. They are a type of flowchart that use arrows and circles to represent the flow of goods, services, or information. Unlike traditional flowcharts, which can be difficult to read at a glance, Sankey charts are designed to be clear and easy to understand.
Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas where resources can be reallocated. They can be used to analyze processes in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and service-based businesses.
How to create a Sankey chart
Creating a Sankey chart requires a few basic steps. First, you need to gather the necessary information about your workflow. This may include process descriptions, flow diagrams, or other relevant data. Next, you will need to choose a software tool for creating the chart. There are several options available, including Microsoft Excel, Lucidchart, and SmartDraw.
Once you have gathered the necessary information and chosen a software tool, you can begin creating the chart. The first step is to create a project in the software and add the necessary data. You will then need to add arrows and circles to represent the flow of goods, services, or information. You can customize the chart by adding labels, changing the colors and shapes, and adding filters to make the chart easier to read.
Common applications of Sankey charts
Sankey charts are a useful tool for a variety of applications, including process improvement, resource allocation, and project management. Here are a few examples:
- Process improvement: Sankey charts can be used to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in a process. By visualizing the flow of inputs and outputs, you can identify areas where improvements can be made, such as reducing wait times or eliminating unnecessary steps.
- Resource allocation: Sankey charts can be used to allocate resources effectively. By visualizing the flow of resources, you can identify areas where resources can be reallocated to maximize efficiency.
- Project management: Sankey charts can be used to track the flow of work through a project. By visualizing the project’s progress, you can identify areas where resources may be underutilized or bottlenecks may exist.
Overall, Sankey charts are a useful visual tool for understanding and optimizing workflows. By visualizing the flow of goods, services, or information, you can identify opportunities for improvement and allocate resources more effectively. Whether you are a process engineer, project manager, or business executive, Sankey charts can help you streamline your workflow and improve your organization’s efficiency.
SankeyMaster
SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.
