Sankey charts are a powerful visual tool for understanding and optimizing processes. They are a type of flowchart that show the flow of materials or information between different nodes or steps in a process. In this article, we will discuss the basics of Sankey chart creation, as well as some common applications and best practices for using Sankey charts to streamline your processes.

Sankey chart basics

Sankey charts are named after Louis Pasteur’s student, Edward de Connick Sankey. They were originally used to study the flow of materials in chemical reactions, but have since been applied to a wide variety of processes. Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing and optimizing processes that involve the movement of materials or information. They are especially useful for identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement in complex processes.

Sankey charts are made up of a series of interconnected circles, with lines connecting the circles to show the flow of materials or information between the circles. The circles represent different steps in the process, and the lines show the direction and magnitude of the flow. The chart can be customized to show different types of flows, such as material flows or information flows, and the direction of the flow can be shown as arrows or simply as lines.

Creating Sankey charts

Sankey charts can be created using a variety of software tools, including online Sankey chart generators, flowcharting software, and spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel. The process of creating a Sankey chart typically involves the following steps:

1. Identify the process you want to visualize
2. Determine the type of flow you want to visualize (materials, information, etc.)
3. Gather data on the flow of materials or information between different steps in the process
4. Create the Sankey chart using the software tool of your choice
5. Customize the chart as desired (e.g., add notes, change line colors)

When creating a Sankey chart, it is important to gather as much data as possible on the flow of materials or information between different steps in the process. This can include data on the number of units produced, the time it takes to complete a step, the capacity of each step, and any bottlenecks or problems that may arise.

Applications of Sankey charts

Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used to visualize and optimize a wide variety of processes. Some common applications of Sankey charts include:

1. Manufacturing processes: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and optimize manufacturing processes, from the production of raw materials to the assembly of finished products. By identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement, manufacturers can optimize their processes and improve efficiency.
2. Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and optimize the flow of materials or information through a supply chain. This can help companies identify and address bottlenecks, improve inventory management, and ultimately increase efficiency and competitiveness.
3. Business processes: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and optimize complex business processes, such as marketing, sales, and customer service. By identifying areas for improvement and streamlining processes, organizations can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.
4. Data analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and analyze large data sets, such as economic indicators, population trends, or social media activity. By showing the flow of data between different nodes, Sankey charts can help analysts identify patterns and trends, and make data-driven decisions.

Best practices for using Sankey charts

Using Sankey charts can help organizations streamline processes and improve efficiency. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when creating and using Sankey charts:

1. Gather data: As with any data visualization tool, it is important to gather as much data as possible on the flow of materials or information between different steps in the process. This can include data on the number of units produced, the time it takes to complete a step, the capacity of each step, and any bottlenecks or problems that may arise.
2. Customize the chart: Sankey charts can be customized to suit the needs of the process being visualized. This can include adding notes, changing line colors, or showing different types of flows.
3. Keep it simple: Sankey charts should be simple and easy to understand, with clear labels and

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.