Sankey charts are a visual tool that helps to illustrate the flow of materials, energy, or information between different processes, stages, or organizations. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement in complex systems. In this ultimate guide, we will explore everything you need to know about creating and using Sankey charts.

What is a Sankey chart and how does it work?

Sankey charts are named after the Irish engineer and process analyst, Graphic Communication Process Chain Expert, and Inventor, Louis Pasteur Sankey. They are used to visualize the flow of materials, energy, or information between different processes, stages, or organizations. The chart consists of a central node representing the source or starting point of the flow, and a set of arrows that represent the flow of materials, energy, or information from one process to another. The width of the arrows indicates the amount of flow, and the length of the arrows can be customized to show the duration or distance of the flow.

How can Sankey charts be used?

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for analyzing and improving complex systems. They can be used to:

1. Identify bottlenecks: Sankey charts can help you identify the processes or stages where materials, energy, or information are being wasted, delayed, or lost.
2. Improve efficiency: By identifying and addressing bottlenecks, you can improve the efficiency of your system, reducing waste and costs.
3. Streamline processes: Sankey charts can help you identify unnecessary steps,冗余 processes, or other areas where processes can be streamlined to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
4. Improve decision-making: Sankey charts can provide a clear and concise visual representation of complex systems, making it easier to make informed decisions about improvement and optimization.

How to create a Sankey chart in Excel?

Creating a Sankey chart in Excel is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Open Excel and create a new workbook
2. Insert a new chart
3. Choose the Sankey chart type
4. Enter the data for each process or stage
5. Customize the chart layout and appearance
6. Save and edit the chart as needed

Here are some tips for creating a Sankey chart in Excel:

1. Make sure your data is organized and clean before creating the chart.
2. Consider adding filters, chart elements, or data tables to help explain and visualize the data.
3. Customize the chart colors and labels to make the chart easy to understand.
4. Consider adding a legend or keys to help users understand the different process or stage names.
5. Save and edit the chart as needed to ensure it accurately represents your data.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of materials, energy, or information between different processes, stages, or organizations. They can be used to identify bottlenecks, improve efficiency, streamline processes, and make informed decisions about improvement and optimization. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a Sankey chart in Excel to help analyze and improve your complex systems.

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.