If you’re looking to streamline processes and make better decisions, then you might want to consider using Sankey charts. These visual aids are a powerful tool for analyzing and understanding the flow of materials, information, or money, and can help you identify opportunities for improvement and waste reduction. In this article, we’ll show you how to create Sankey charts, as well as some examples of their application in various industries.
Sankey charts are graphical representations of the flow of materials, information, or money through a system. They are named after graphic designer Charles Sankey, who first introduced the concept in the 1920s. Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement in complex systems.
Creating Sankey charts is relatively simple, and can be done using a variety of software tools. The basic steps are as follows:
- Determine the flow of materials or information through the system being analyzed.
- Identify the starting and ending points of the flow.
- Choose a Sankey chart type (e.g. flowchart, material balance, or revenue flow) based on the type of flow being analyzed.
- Use the software tool to create the chart, and customize the design as needed.
Some popular software tools for creating Sankey charts include Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Lucidchart, or ProcessOn. These tools offer a range of shapes, colors, and icons to help you create a clear and effective chart.
There are many industries and applications where Sankey charts can be useful, including:
- Manufacturing: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of materials through a manufacturing process, identify bottlenecks, and optimize production.
- Supply Chain: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of goods, services, and information through a supply chain system, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Financial Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of money through a financial system, and identify areas where costs can be reduced or revenue can be increased.
- Healthcare: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of patients through a healthcare system, and identify areas where resources can be more effectively allocated.
- Environmental Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of waste materials through an environmental system, and identify areas where recycling or waste reduction can be improved.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for streamlining processes and making better decisions. By visualizing the flow of materials, information, or money through a system, Sankey charts can help you identify opportunities for improvement, reduce waste, and optimize resources. Whether you’re in manufacturing, supply chain, finance, healthcare, or environmental management, there are many industries where Sankey charts can be a valuable resource. With a little bit of creativity and customization, you can create powerful Sankey charts that will help you transform your systems and improve your bottom line.
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.
