Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of materials and information within a process. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. By using a Sankey chart, you can gain a deeper understanding of the flow and waste within your process, and make informed decisions about how to optimize it. In this article, we will discuss how to create Sankey charts and the various applications of this visual tool.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that uses directed pipes to represent the flow of materials or information through a process. Each pipe is labeled with the destination or sink, and the flow rate between the nodes is shown using arrows. This creates a visual representation of the flow and direction of the materials or information in the process.

Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. By visualizing the flow of materials and information, it is easy to see where the process is most susceptible to bottlenecks and where there may be opportunities to improve the flow.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart is relatively easy using a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. To create a Sankey chart, follow these steps:

1. Enter the data: Collect the flow and destination data for each step in the process. This can be done using a spreadsheet or a Sankey chart template.
2. Create the chart: Set up the spreadsheet with the appropriate columns and formatting for the Sankey chart. Use the Sankey chart template to create the chart using the flow and destination data entered in step 1.
3. Customize the chart: You can customize the chart by adding labels to the pipes, changing the colors or styles, and adding notes or comments.

Applications of Sankey Charts

There are many applications for Sankey charts in various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Some of the common uses of Sankey charts include:

• Identifying bottlenecks: Sankey charts are useful for identifying bottlenecks in a process, which can cause delays and reduce efficiency. By visualizing the flow of materials or information, it is easy to see where the process is most susceptible to bottlenecks.
• Improving efficiency: Sankey charts can help identify opportunities to improve efficiency in a process. For example, you may find that there are multiple steps that can be combined into a single step, reducing the overall time required for the process.
• Analyzing process flow: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of materials or information in a process and identify areas for improvement. For example, you may find that there are multiple steps that waste time or resources, and can identify ways to streamline those steps.
• Process optimization: Sankey charts can be used to optimize processes by identifying areas for improvement and making changes to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow and waste in a process. By using a Sankey chart, you can gain a deeper understanding of the flow and direction of materials or information, identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement, and optimize processes. Whether you are a manufacturing engineer, logistics professional, or healthcare provider, Sankey charts can help you improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your processes.

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.