Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are used to visualize and understand the flow of materials, information, or energy through a system. They are often used in process optimization and waste management to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in a system. This article will provide a guide on how to create Sankey charts and how they can be used to streamline processes and optimize efficiency.
What are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams or Sankey flowcharts, are a type of flowchart that are used to visualize and understand the flow of materials, information, or energy through a system. They are named after the Dutch engineer Leo Sankey, who first developed them in the mid-20th century.
Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies in a system. They can be used to visualize the flow of materials, such as raw materials, components, or finished products, through a manufacturing process. They can also be used to visualize the flow of information, such as customer requests, product specifications, or sales orders.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
To create a Sankey chart, you will need to gather the necessary data about the flow of materials, information, or energy through your system. This may include information about the source of the flow, the destinations of the flow, and the amount of flow or rate at each step.
Once you have gathered the necessary data, you can use a flowcharting software, such as Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or Gliffy, to create your Sankey chart. These types of software provide a range of templates and shapes that you can use to create your chart.
When creating your chart, be sure to include a clear legend that explains the symbols and abbreviations used in the chart. You should also include a scale that indicates the size or magnitude of the flow at each step.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used in a variety of applications to streamline processes and optimize efficiency. Some common examples include:
- Process optimization: Sankey charts can be used to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in a manufacturing process and to develop strategies to improve efficiency.
- Material flow analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing process and to identify opportunities for reducing waste or increasing efficiency.
- Customer service analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of customer requests and to identify opportunities for improving the efficiency of the customer service process.
- Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials and information through a supply chain and to identify opportunities for improving efficiency.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are used to visualize and understand the flow of materials, information, or energy through a system. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies in a system and can be used in a variety of applications to streamline processes and optimize efficiency. By gathering necessary data, using flowcharting software, and including a clear legend and scale, you can create a Sankey chart to better understand and optimize your flow process.
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