Streamlining Processes with Sankey Charts: A Visual Approach to Understanding Workflows

When it comes to streamlining processes, visual aids are often the most effective way to understand and improve workflows. One such tool is the Sankey chart, a powerful and flexible visualization technique that can be used to illustrate the movement of materials, information, or other resources between different entities or processes.

What is a Sankey chart?

A Sankey chart, also known as a Sankey diagram or Sankey flowchart, is a specialized type of flowchart that is used to represent the flow of materials or resources between different entities or processes. It was first introduced by Japanese engineer Kiyotaka Sankey in the early 20th century as a way to analyze and improve the efficiency of industrial processes.

One of the key advantages of using a Sankey chart is that it allows you to easily see the flow of materials or resources between different entities or processes, as well as identify opportunities for improvement or waste. In addition, Sankey charts can be customized to reflect the specific needs and goals of your organization or project, making them a versatile and effective tool for streamlining processes in a wide range of industries and sectors.

How to create a Sankey chart

Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps, but the process is typically straightforward and easy to follow. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved in creating a Sankey chart:

1. Determine the purpose and goals of the chart: Before you begin creating your Sankey chart, it’s important to define the specific goals and objectives that you want to achieve. This might involve identifying areas where efficiency could be improved, identifying sources of waste or inefficiencies, or identifying opportunities for collaboration or optimization.
2. Identify the entities and processes involved: Once you have a clear idea of the goals and objectives for your chart, you can begin to identify the entities and processes that are involved in the flow of materials or resources. This might include suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, or any other relevant parties.
3. Gather and organize the data: To create an effective Sankey chart, you need to have accurate and complete data on the flow of materials or resources between each entity or process. This might involve gathering data from surveys, interviews, or other sources, as well as organizing and structuring the data in a way that is easy to visualize.
4. Create the chart: Using a software tool such as Microsoft Excel or Visio, you can create the Sankey chart based on the data and entities you have identified. You will typically need to specify the direction of the flow (incoming or outgoing), the type of resources being flowed (e.g. materials, information, money), and any other relevant details.
5. Review and refine the chart: Once you have created your Sankey chart, it’s important to review and refine it as needed. This might involve making adjustments to the chart based on new information or insights, identifying areas where the chart could be improved, or making changes to reflect the specific goals and objectives of your project.

Applications of Sankey charts

There are many different applications for Sankey charts, including:

1. Material flow analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of materials between different entities or processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and optimize production and supply chain processes.
2. Resource allocation: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and manage the flow of resources between different departments, teams, or organizations, helping to ensure that resources are used effectively and efficiently.
3. Process improvement: Sankey charts can be used to analyze and improve the efficiency of processes, including production lines, supply chains, and other business processes.
4. Change management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and manage changes to processes or systems, helping to ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page and that changes are implemented effectively and efficiently.
5. Environmental sustainability: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of materials or resources through an organization or system, helping to identify opportunities for reducing waste, increasing efficiency, or improving the sustainability of processes and operations.

Overall, Sankey charts are a powerful and flexible visualization tool that can help organizations streamline processes, improve efficiency, and identify opportunities for improvement or optimization. Whether you’re working on a production line, managing a supply chain, or trying to improve a business process, a Sankey chart can be a valuable and insightful tool

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.