SANKEY CHARTS: A VISUAL GUIDE TO MASTERING FLOW ANALYSIS

Process Flow Analysis is an essential tool for any organization looking to optimize their operations and improve efficiency. By examining the flow of activities and resources within a system, organizations can identify bottlenecks, unnecessary steps, and areas where improvements can be made.

One popular method of process flow analysis is the Sankey chart, which is a visual representation of the flow of materials, information, or goods between different entities or stages in a process. Created in the early 20th century, the Sankey chart has since become a staple of process flow analysis and remains widely used to this day.

In this article, we will delve into the ins and outs of Sankey chart creation and explore its numerous applications in various industries. Whether you are an experienced process flow expert or just starting out, this guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of Sankey charts and how they can be used to streamline complex processes.

What is a Sankey chart?

A Sankey chart, also known as a flowchart, is a type of diagram used to visually represent the flow of materials or resources in a process. It is named after the Dutch physicist Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, who invented the technique in the late 1700s.

Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks and areas where improvements can be made in a process. They can be used to analyze everything from manufacturing processes to data management systems.

The basic components of a Sankey chart include:

• Arrowheads: Represent the flow of materials or resources from one entity to another
• Boxes: Represent the entities or stages in a process
• Links: Represent the connections between the arrowheads and boxes

How is a Sankey chart created?

Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps, each of which is designed to help the analyst better understand the flow of materials or resources in the process under examination. Here is a general overview of the steps involved in creating a Sankey chart:

1. Identify the process: The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to identify the process that you want to analyze. This may involve mapping out the steps involved in a manufacturing process or identifying the different stages in a data management system.
2. Gather data: Once you have identified the process, you will need to gather data on the flow of materials or resources between the different entities or stages. This data may include flow rates, volumes, or quantities.
3. Organize the data: Once you have gathered the data, you will need to organize it in a way that makes sense for the Sankey chart. This may involve grouping similar flows together or creating separate boxes for different types of materials or resources.
4. Create the chart: With the data organized and the boxes and arrows in place, you can begin to create the Sankey chart. This may involve using spreadsheet software to create the chart or importing it into a specialized process flow analysis tool.
5. Evaluate the chart: Once you have created the Sankey chart, you can begin to evaluate the flow of materials or resources in the process. Look for areas where improvements can be made, identify bottlenecks, and make changes to the process as needed.

Applications of Sankey charts in various industries

Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in a wide variety of industries. Some common applications include:

1. Manufacturing: Sankey charts are often used in manufacturing to analyze the flow of materials and resources through the production process. This helps manufacturers identify bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and reduce waste.
2. Supply Chain Management: Sankey charts can also be used to analyze the flow of materials or resources through a supply chain. This helps organizations identify and address bottlenecks, improve inventory management, and increase overall efficiency.
3. Data Management: Sankey charts can be

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