Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are particularly useful for visualizing the directions and values of a system. They are often used in project management and process improvement to identify bottlenecks, waste, or opportunities for improvement. In this article, we will walk through the steps to create a Sankey chart and show how to use them to gain insights into your system.
Step 1: Gather Your Data
The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to gather the data that you will need to chart. This data should include the inputs and outputs of your system, as well as any intermediate steps. It can be useful to review your system’s documentation, interviews with stakeholders, or other relevant data sources to get a sense of the flow of the system.
Step 2: Choose a Flowcharting Tool
There are several flowcharting tools available, including Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and SmartDraw. These tools allow you to create Sankey charts using pre-built templates or by customizing your own charts. Choose a tool that suits your needs and has a user-friendly interface.
Step 3: Create the Input and Output Ports
Once you have your data organized, you will need to create the input and output ports for your Sankey chart. These should be placed at the beginning and end of the chart and labeled accordingly.
Step 4: Add the Flow Lines
Next, you will need to add the flow lines between the input and output ports. These flow lines should represent the flow of inputs through the system and the corresponding outputs. Use arrows to indicate the direction of the flow, and be sure to label each flow line with the corresponding input and output.
Step 5: Use the Sankey Chart Wizard
Sankey charts have an internal wizard that can help you create the chart for you. Simply select the input and output ports, and the wizard will generate the flow lines and label the chart for you.
Step 6: Analyze Your Sankey Chart
Once your Sankey chart is complete, you should analyze it to identify any bottlenecks, waste, or opportunities for improvement. Look for areas where the flow of inputs through the system is slow or where there are large differences between the input and output values. These areas may be opportunities for process improvement or cost reduction.
Step 7: Iterate and Refine
Finally, it is important to review and refine your Sankey chart over time as you gain more insights into your system. This may involve adjusting the chart to include new data or refining the flow lines to better reflect the flow of your system.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of a system and identifying areas for improvement. By following these steps, you can create a Sankey chart to gain insights into your system and optimize its performance.
