Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams or flowcharts, are a type of data visualization that can be used to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information between different entities or stages. They were invented by George Sankey in the 1920s and have since become a popular tool for analyzing and optimizing processes.

Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement in a process. By visualizing the flow of materials or energy through a system, it becomes possible to identify where there are excesses, losses, or inefficiencies. This information can then be used to make improvements to the process, such as streamlining steps or rearranging the flow of materials to reduce wait times.

One of the key strengths of Sankey charts is their ability to show the relative importance of different entities or stages in a process. This can be especially useful for identifying opportunities to optimize the flow of materials or energy through the system. For example, if one stage in a process is particularly inefficient, it may be possible to reroute the flow around that stage, rather than trying to improve it directly.

There are several software tools available for creating Sankey charts, including Microsoft Excel, charting and visualization software such as Tableau, and specialized process mapping and optimization tools such as MapDynamics. These tools typically allow users to input data on the flow of materials, energy, or information between different entities or stages, and generate a Sankey chart that shows the flow based on that data.

In summary, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing and optimizing the flow of materials, energy, or information through a process. By using a Sankey chart to represent the flow of a process, it is possible to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. This information can then be used to streamline processes and improve overall efficiency.

SankeyMaster

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