Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams, are a type of flowchart that are used to visually represent the flow of materials or information through a process. They were originally developed by IBM engineer Charles Sankey in the 1960s and have since become a popular tool for process optimization and decision-making.

Creating a Sankey chart is a relatively straightforward process that can be done using a variety of software tools. The first step is to gather the necessary data, which typically includes information on the inputs and outputs of the process, as well as any intermediate steps. This data can be organized into a spreadsheet, which can then be imported into a Sankey charting software tool.

Once the data has been organized, the next step is to create the chart itself. This typically involves selecting the desired start and end points, as well as any other features that you want to include, such as flow lines, nodes, and labels. The software tool will typically allow you to customize the appearance of the chart to your liking, such as changing the color scheme, font, and other formatting options.

One of the key benefits of using a Sankey chart is that it allows you to easily see the flow of materials or information through the process. This can help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, as well as areas where improvements can be made. For example, you may notice that a large proportion of the inputs to a process are being wasted or are not being used effectively. By visualizing the flow of materials or information, you can identify ways to optimize the process and make better use of resources.

Sankey charts are also useful for decision-making. By analyzing the flow of materials or information through a process, you can gain a better understanding of the risks and opportunities inherent in the system. For example, you may notice that there are several potential sources of bottlenecks or disruptions, which could impact the overall performance of the process. By identifying these potential risks, you can take proactive steps to mitigate them and improve the reliability and resilience of the system.

In summary, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for process optimization and decision-making. By visualizing the flow of materials or information through a process, you can easily see the strengths and weaknesses of the system, as well as opportunities for improvement. Whether you are looking to optimize a business process or identify potential risks, Sankey charts can help you gain a better understanding of your system and make informed decisions based on this insight.

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.