Streamlining processes is essential for any organization looking to improve efficiency and reduce costs. One effective way to achieve this is by using Sankey charts, a type of visualization that can help you understand the flow of materials, information, and resources. In this article, we’ll explore how to create Sankey charts and the various applications of this powerful tool.

What are Sankey charts?

Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams, are a type of flowchart that use solid arrows to represent the flow of materials, information, or resources. Unlike traditional flowcharts that use nodes and branches to represent the flow, Sankey charts use loops to represent the various intersections in the flow. The arrows pointing from the sources to the sinks represent the movement of materials, information, or resources, with the size of the arrows indicating the quantity or value of the flow.

How to create Sankey charts

To create a Sankey chart, you can use a variety of software tools such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Lucidchart, or any other charting software that supports Sankey chart creation. Most of these tools offer a step-by-step process to create a Sankey chart, with the option to import data from spreadsheets or other sources.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a simple Sankey chart using Microsoft Excel:

1. Create a new Excel sheet
2. Click on the “Insert” menu and then click “Sankey chart” from the chart options
3. In the Sankey chart editor, select the data range from which you want to create the chart
4. Configure the chart settings, such as the type of chart, the orientation, and the colors, etc.
5. Click “OK” to add the chart to Excel

Applications of Sankey charts

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can be used in a wide range of applications, from supply chain management to project management, marketing strategy, and financial analysis. Here are some examples of how Sankey charts can be used:

1. Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials, resources, or information through a supply chain, highlighting areas where bottlenecks may exist, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
2. Project management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of work through a project, tracking milestones and identifying potential risks and delays.
3. Marketing strategy: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of customers through a marketing campaign, identifying the most effective channels and touchpoints.
4. Financial analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of cash inflows and outflows through a company’s operations, highlighting areas where cost savings can be achieved and opportunities for additional revenue streams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can be used to understand and optimize the flow of materials, information, or resources in a variety of applications. By creating a Sankey chart, you can gain a deeper understanding of your processes, identify areas for improvement, and take steps to streamline operations and increase efficiency. Whether you are in supply chain management, project management, marketing strategy, or financial analysis, Sankey charts can help you achieve your goals and make better decisions.

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