Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that is used to represent the flow of materials, goods, or services through a system. They are particularly useful for visualizing and analyzing complex networks and identifying opportunities for optimization or improvement. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation, as well as some common applications in various industries.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are used to represent the flow of materials, goods, or services through a system. They are named after the British engineer, Leo Sankey, who developed the first computer program to create Sankey charts in the 1970s.

Sankey charts use directed arcs to represent the flow of materials or services between different nodes or “boxes” on the chart. Each box represents a process or step in the flow, and the directed arcs connecting the boxes represent the movement of materials or services through the process. The chart is read from left to right, with the input at the top and the output at the bottom.

How are Sankey Charts created?

Sankey charts can be created using a variety of software tools, including Microsoft Excel, Lucidchart, and SmartDraw. Many of these tools have pre-made Sankey chart templates that can be customized to suit the user’s needs.

To create a Sankey chart using Excel, for example, users can follow these steps:

1. Enter the data for each process or step in the chart in a separate cell.
2. Insert a directed arc between each pair of cells that represents the flow of materials or services between the processes.
3. Format the chart as desired, including adding labels, changing the color or thickness of the arcs, and adding a title.

Uses of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing complex networks, and they have numerous applications in various industries. Here are just a few examples:

1. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or goods through a manufacturing or supply chain system, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
2. Financial Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of funds or investments through a system, helping analysts identify areas for reallocation or optimization.
3. Environmental Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or waste through a waste management system, helping stakeholders identify areas for reduction or recycling.
4. Process Improvement: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of a process, helping teams identify areas for improvement or change.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing complex networks, and they have numerous applications in various industries. By understanding the basics of Sankey chart creation and exploring some common uses, we can better understand the potential of this visualization technique to help us streamline processes and identify areas for improvement.

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