Flowcharting is a powerful visual tool for understanding and improving processes. One of the most popular flowcharting techniques is the Sankey chart, which is named after its creator, Helmut Sankey. In this article, we will provide a visual guide to creating and applying Sankey charts for process improvement.

Sankey Chart Creation

A Sankey chart is a flowchart that is used to show the flow of material or information through a process. It is designed to highlight the key relationships and bottlenecks in a process, making it easier to identify areas for improvement. To create a Sankey chart, you will need the following:

1. A process flowchart that shows the flow of material or information through the process. This can be a drawing, a table, or a text description.
2. A list of the process steps, including the inputs and outputs of each step.
3. A set of categories or symbols that you will use to represent the different process steps and inputs/outputs.
4. A set of sankey chart rules that specify how the inputs and outputs of each step are connected to each other.

To create a Sankey chart, you can use a flowcharting software such as Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or Draw.io. These tools provide a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to create a Sankey chart from scratch. Alternatively, you can use a flowcharting library or framework that provides a pre-built Sankey chart component.

Sankey Chart Applications

Sankey charts are used in a variety of industries and applications to improve process efficiency and identify areas for improvement. Here are some examples of how Sankey charts are used:

1. Manufacturing: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing process, highlighting bottlenecks and areas where waste can be reduced. For example, a Sankey chart might be used to show the flow of raw materials through a manufacturing process, highlighting the steps where materials are transformed into finished products.
2. Supply Chain: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of goods and services through a supply chain, highlighting areas where costs or delays can be reduced. For example, a Sankey chart might be used to show the flow of goods through a supply chain, highlighting the steps where delays or rework can occur.
3. Process Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of processes within an organization, highlighting areas where processes can be improved or streamlined. For example, a Sankey chart might be used to show the flow of work through different departments within an organization, highlighting areas where communication or coordination can be improved.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful visual tool for understanding and improving processes. With a little practice, you can create and apply Sankey charts to almost any process improvement project. Whether you are a process manager, an engineer, or a project manager, a Sankey chart is a valuable tool that can help you achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness.

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