Streamlining workflows is crucial for any organization aiming to operate efficiently and effectively. Sankey charts are a powerful tool that can help you visualize and optimize your processes, resulting in improved productivity and reduced waste. In this article, we’ll explore how to create Sankey charts and the many applications of this powerful visualization technique.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a specialized flowchart that is useful for illustrating the relationship between inputs and outputs in a process. It was originally designed by Charles Sankey in the early 20th century to help analyze and optimize industrial processes. Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in complex processes.

Why Use Sankey Charts?

There are several reasons why businesses might want to use Sankey charts to optimize their workflows. Some of the benefits include:

1. Identifying bottlenecks: Sankey charts can help you identify the parts of your process that are most time-consuming or inefficient. By highlighting these areas, you can prioritize efforts to improve productivity and reduce waste.
2. Tracing inputs and outputs: Sankey charts allow you to easily see how inputs are transformed into outputs. This can help you identify opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and resource sharing.
3. Visualizing process flows: Sankey charts provide a clear and concise way to visualize complex workflows, making it easier to understand and communicate with others.
4. Improving process optimization: By identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks, you can develop strategies to optimize your process, resulting in improved productivity and reduced waste.

How to Create a Sankey Chart?

Creating a Sankey chart is relatively straightforward, as long as you have access to a flowcharting tool or software. Here are the basic steps to create a Sankey chart:

1. Start by selecting a flowcharting tool or software that supports Sankey chart creation. There are many options available, including Visio, Lucidchart, and Gliffy.
2. Begin by creating a basic flowchart using the tool of your choice. This will typically involve creating nodes for inputs, processes, and outputs, and connecting them with arrows to illustrate the flow of the process.
3. Once you have your basic flowchart created, you can begin modifying it to create a Sankey chart. To do this, you will need to set the flowchart’s data properties to represent the flow of the process as directed. This will involve setting properties such as the source and sink nodes, as well as the capacity of each node.
4. After you have set the flowchart’s data properties, you can use the tool’s visualization features to create the Sankey chart. This may involve adjusting the node and connection types and sizes, as well as adding annotations to clarify the process.
5. Once you are satisfied with the resulting Sankey chart, you can share it with others and use it to identify areas for improvement in your process.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be applied in a wide range of industries and processes. Some of the common applications include:

1. Production and manufacturing: Sankey charts are often used to visualize and optimize industrial processes, such as assembly lines or machine operations.
2. Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to understand the flow of goods and services through supply chain processes.
3. Service-oriented architecture: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and optimize service processes, such as call centers or customer service operations.
4. Process improvement: Sankey charts can be used to identify areas for improvement in complex processes, allowing organizations to develop strategies for process optimization and waste reduction.

Conclusion

Streamlining workflows is essential for any organization that wants to operate efficiently and effectively. Sankey charts are

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