Streamlining processes is a key aspect of any successful business, and visualizing these processes can help identify areas for improvement. Sankey charts are a powerful tool for business visualizations that can show the flow of materials, information, or resources. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and the various applications for business visualization.

What is a Sankey Chart?

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that provide a visual representation of the flow of materials or resources between different nodes (or regions). They are named after the Dutch engineer Gustav SANKEY, who patented the process in 1900. Sankey charts are commonly used to show the flow of materials in industrial processes, supply chain management, and resource allocation.

The main advantage of Sankey charts is that they provide a clear and concise visual representation of complex processes. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement in a process. Sankey charts can also be used to show the relative flow of materials or resources between different nodes, highlighting any imbalances or discrepancies.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart can be done using a variety of software tools, such as Microsoft Excel, Lucidchart, or Visio. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a Sankey chart in Microsoft Excel:

1. Insert a new chart in a worksheet or table.
2. From the chart menu, select Insert, thenSankey chart.
3. Customize the chart settings to match your desired appearance and data.
4. Populate the chart with data by adding arrows and nodes.
5. Format the chart to ensure clear and easy-to-read displays of the data.

Applications for Business Visualization

Sankey charts are a useful tool for business visualization because they provide a clear and concise representation of complex processes. Some common applications of Sankey charts in business include:

1. Improving supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or resources from suppliers to customers, highlighting any bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the process.
2. Resource allocation: Sankey charts can be used to show the relative flow of resources between different departments or projects, helping organizations to optimize their resource allocation and make better decisions about resource usage.
3. Process optimization: Sankey charts can be used to identify areas for improvement in business processes, showing where materials or resources become stuck or are wasted.
4. Environmental sustainability: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or resources in a process, highlighting areas where waste or pollution can be reduced or eliminated.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are an effective tool for business visualizations that can help organizations streamline processes, improve efficiency, and identify areas for improvement. By creating Sankey charts, businesses can gain valuable insights into their operations and make data-driven decisions to improve profitability and sustainability.

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