Introduction:

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that helps to identify and optimize workflows in processes. Whether you’re managing a manufacturing facility, logistics operation or a service business, streamlining processes can lead to improved efficiency and reduced costs. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create Sankey charts and how you can use them to optimize your workflows.

What is a Sankey chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that uses arrows and blocks to represent the flow of materials, information, or products through a process. Unlike flowcharts that use horizontal lines to represent the flow of work, Sankey charts use arrows to show the direction and rate of flow. This makes it easy to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in your workflows.

Creation of Sankey charts:

Creating a Sankey chart is a straightforward process. You can use a variety of software tools to create and edit charts, including Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and SmartDraw. Here is an overview of the steps involved in creating a Sankey chart:

1. Start with a process diagram: To create a Sankey chart, you need to start with a process diagram that shows the flow of materials, information, or products through your process. This can be a flowchart, swimlane diagram, or Gantt chart.
2. Identify the nodes and links: Next, you need to identify the nodes and links in your process diagram that represent the different steps or processes in your workflow. Nodes represent the steps and links represent the flow of materials, information, or products between those steps.
3. Assign flows: For each link in your process diagram, you need to assign a flow that represents the movement of materials, information, or products between those steps. This can be a single flow or multiple flows, depending on your process.
4. Customize the chart: Once you have assigned the flows, you can customize the chart to make it easier to understand and analyze. This can include adding labels, changing the colors, or adding filters to group similar flows.

Applications of Sankey charts:

Sankey charts can be used in a variety of applications to optimize workflows and improve efficiency. Some of the common applications of Sankey charts include:

1. Manufacturing: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing process, highlighting bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
2. Logistics: Sankey charts can be used to optimize the flow of goods through a logistics process, from the warehouse to the customer.
3. Service businesses: Sankey charts can be used to identify and optimize the flow of customer inquiries, support requests, and other interactions with a service business.
4. Supply chain: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a supply chain, from suppliers to retailers.

Conclusion:

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can help you identify and optimize workflows in processes. By using arrows and blocks to represent the flow of materials, information, or products through a process, Sankey charts make it easy to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in your workflow. With a little bit of creativity and customization, you can use Sankey charts to streamline your processes and improve efficiency.

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.