Streamlining processes is essential for any organization looking to be more efficient and effective. A Sankey chart is a highly effective tool for visualizing and optimizing processes, allowing you to easily identify areas where improvements can be made. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a Sankey chart and explore some of the many applications for this powerful visualization tool.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that is used to represent the flow of materials, information, or other types of value through a system or process. It is named after the Swedish industrial engineer Viktor Sankey, who developed the chart in the early 20th century.

Sankey charts are highly effective because they are designed to show the direction and magnitude of flows, making it easier to identify and optimize process areas. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas where waste can be reduced.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart is relatively simple, as there are a number of tools available that allow you to easily create and customize charts. Some of the most popular tools for creating Sankey charts include:

• Lucidchart: A user-friendly online diagramming tool that allows you to create flowcharts, including Sankey charts, without the need for any specialized software.
• SmartDraw: A comprehensive flowcharting tool that includes a wide range of shapes, connectors, and templates, making it easy to create a wide range of diagrams.
• Microsoft Visio: A powerful desktop flowcharting tool that includes a wide range of features and capabilities for creating complex diagrams.

To create a Sankey chart, simply follow these steps:

1. Choose a tool: Choose a flowcharting tool that meets your needs and preferences.
2. Determine your flow: Identify the flow that you want to visualize in your Sankey chart, such as the flow of materials, information, or other types of value.
3. Organize your information: Decide what information you want to include on each shape in your chart, such as the type of flow and the direction of the flow.
4. Create your diagram: Use the tool’s features and capabilities to create your Sankey chart, adding and organizing your information as necessary.
5. Customize your chart: Use the tool’s options to customize your chart to meet your needs and preferences, such as choosing colors, fonts, and styles.
6. Review and refine your chart: Review your Sankey chart to ensure that it accurately reflects your flow and makes it easy to understand and analyze.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of industries and contexts. Some of the most common applications for Sankey charts include:

• Supply chain management: Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing the flow of materials through a supply chain, allowing you to identify potential bottlenecks and areas where improvements can be made.
• Process improvement: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and optimize business processes, making it easier to identify and eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and increase productivity.
• Environmental management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials, energy, and other resources through an ecosystem or natural system, allowing you to identify areas where sustainability can be improved.
• Financial analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of funds or other financial resources, helping you to identify areas where you may be overspending or underspending.

Conclusion

Streamlining processes is essential for any organization looking to be more efficient and effective. Sankey charts are a highly effective tool for visualizing and optimizing processes, allowing you to easily identify areas where improvements can be made. By following the

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.