Sankey charts are a versatile and powerful tool for streamlining processes and visualizing the flow of materials, information, or other resources. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processes, and improving waste reduction. In this article, we will explore how to create Sankey charts and their applications in various industries.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams, are a type of flowchart that use solid lines to represent the flow of materials, resources, or other types of information. The chart is named after British graph theorist and mathematician, George Pólya. Sankey charts allow you to easily identify the sources, sinks, and the relative quantities of each flow in a given system.

Creating Sankey Charts

Sankey chart creation is a relatively straightforward process using specialized software such as ProcessOn, Lucidchart, or SmartDraw. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a Sankey chart:

1. Open the software and create a new chart.
2. Select the “Sankey chart” icon.
3. Add the required elements to the chart, including sources, sinks, and arrows.
4. Customize the chart as desired, such as adding labels, shapes, or conditional formatting.
5. Save the chart.

Applications of Sankey Charts

There are many industries and scenarios in which Sankey charts can be helpful. Some of the most common applications include:

1. Supply Chain Management: Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying and improving weak points in a supply chain. By visualizing the flow of materials, you can easily see where bottlenecks may exist and take steps to address them.
2. Environmental Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources such as water, air, or energy. This can help identify areas where waste reduction opportunities exist and guide the development of sustainability initiatives.
3. Organizational Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information or ideas within an organization. This can help identify bottlenecks, improve communication, and optimize resource allocation.
4. Financial Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of money or other financial resources. This can help identify financial opportunities or areas where cost savings can be achieved.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are an effective and visually appealing tool for streamlining processes and visualizing the flow of materials, information, or other resources. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processes, and improving waste reduction. With the right software and a little effort, you can create a Sankey chart to suit your needs and improve the efficiency of your organization or industry.

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.