Streamlining processes is essential for any organization looking to improve efficiency and reduce costs. One effective tool for visualizing process flows is the Sankey chart. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about creating and using Sankey charts, along with real-world applications.

What is a Sankey chart?
A Sankey chart, also known as a flowchart or Sankey diagram, is a type of visualization that shows the flow of materials, information, or ideas between distinct nodes or streams. It is named after the Dutch economist and statistician Jan de Wit, who developed it in the 1930s.

What are the benefits of using a Sankey chart?
There are several benefits to using a Sankey chart, including:

1. Easy to understand: Sankey charts are highly visual and easy to understand, making it easy to identify bottlenecks and areas where improvements can be made.
2. Helps identify opportunities for improvement: By visualizing the flow of materials, information, or ideas, it is easier to identify opportunities for improvement and make changes.
3. Encourages collaboration: Sankey charts can be used in team meetings to help collaborators understand the flow of a process and identify areas where work can be shared or optimized.
4. Measurable: Sankey charts can be used to track progress over time and measure improvements.

How to create a Sankey chart
To create a Sankey chart, you will need the following:

1. A process map: A process map is a visual representation of a process, including the steps and decision points.
2. A flowcharting tool: There are several flowcharting tools available, such as Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or Gliffy.
3. Nodes and streams: Nodes represent the steps in the process, while streams represent the flow of materials, information, or ideas between the steps.

Once you have the process map and the flowcharting tool, you can begin creating the Sankey chart. This typically involves:

1. Creating the nodes and streams in the flowcharting tool.
2. Setting the direction and labeling each stream.
3. Connecting the nodes and streams to illustrate the flow of materials, information, or ideas.

Tips for creating a Sankey chart:

1. Start with the end goal: Begin by identifying the final step in the process, and then work backwards to create the chart.
2. Keep it simple: It is easier to understand a chart with a few key steps rather than a complex, multi-layered chart.
3. Use colors to emphasize important information: Colors can be used to highlight bottlenecks, areas for improvement, or other important information.
4. Label every step: Be sure to label each node with a clear, concise description of the step.

Applications of Sankey charts
Sankey charts are useful in a variety of industries and applications, including:

1. Manufacturing: Sankey charts can be used to track the flow of raw materials, finished goods, and other materials through the manufacturing process.
2. Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of goods and information from suppliers to customers, and identify opportunities for improvement.
3. Service delivery: Sankey charts can be used to track the flow of requests through a service delivery process, and identify areas where improvements can be made.
4. Business process management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of work through different departments or processes, and identify areas where work can be shared or optimized.

Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for streamlining processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. By creating a Sankey chart, you can easily understand the flow of materials, information, or ideas in a process, and make changes to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Whether you are creating a Sankey chart for manufacturing, supply chain management, service delivery, or business process management, the benefits are clear: a better understanding of your processes can lead to improved efficiency and cost savings.

SankeyMaster

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