Sankey charts, also known as flow diagrams, are a type of diagram used to visualize and analyze the flow of materials, information, or tasks. They are particularly useful for businesses looking to improve their workflow and productivity. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and application, as well as some tips on how to use them to transform your business.
What are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that use arrows and circles to represent the flow of materials or information. They are also known as cycle-and-flow diagrams or process flow charts. The Sankey chart is named after the Dutch chemist Charles-Alexandre van der Waerden, who first introduced the concept in the 1920s.
Sankey charts are useful because they allow businesses to see the flow of materials or information from a top-down view, as well as a side view. This can help identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. Sankey charts are also flexible and can be used to represent a variety of different types of flow, such as production, inventory, or customer service.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves drawing arrows from the source of the flow to the destination, and labeling each step along the way. There are many tools available for creating Sankey charts, including online diagrams such as Lucidchart and Microsoft Visio. Some of the steps involved in creating a Sankey chart are:
- Determine the purpose of the chart: Before creating a Sankey chart, it is important to clearly define its purpose. This will help you to decide on the most appropriate type of flow to represent and the information to include.
- Choose the right type of diagram: Depending on your needs, you may choose to create a flowchart or a Sankey chart. Flowcharts are typically used for visualizing the flow of materials or information in a single system, while Sankey charts are used for representing the flow of materials or information between multiple systems.
- Collect and organize your data: To create a Sankey chart, you will need to gather all of the relevant data about the flow of materials or information in your business. This may include information about the source, destination, and any intermediate steps. It is important to organize and clean up your data before creating the chart.
- Draw the arrows: Use arrows to represent the flow of materials or information from the source to the destination. Be sure to label each step along the way, using symbols or text to indicate the type of process or action.
- Customize the chart: Once you have created the basic structure of the chart, you can customize it to include additional details or information. This may include adding color-coding, shapes, or annotations to make the chart more visually appealing or easier to understand.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for businesses looking to improve their workflow and productivity. Some of the ways in which they can be used include:
- Identifying bottlenecks: Sankey charts can be used to identify any bottlenecks or steps in the process that are causing delays or inefficiencies. By analyzing the flow of materials or information, businesses can identify opportunities for improvement and make changes to minimize delays or improve efficiency.
- Prioritizing tasks: Sankey charts can be used to prioritize tasks based on their importance or urgency. By visualizing the flow of materials or information, businesses can see the overall picture of
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