Sankey charts, also known as flowcharts, are a type of diagram that visualize the flow of information or resources from one place to another. They are used to illustrate the movement of goods, services, or information through a system, and are commonly used in project management, process improvement, and supply chain management. In this article, we will walk you through the basics of creating Sankey charts, as well as some practical applications for streamlining your ideas and mastering flow and information management.

What is a Sankey Chart?

As mentioned earlier, a Sankey chart is a type of diagram that visually represents the flow of information or resources. It is often used to show how one process or system imports and exports various inputs and outputs. Sankey charts are named after Rudolph Sankey, an English statistician who created the first such chart in the early 20th century.

Sankey charts typically consist of a core circle representing the origin or source of the flow, and one or more arrows pointing outward from the circle to show the flow of information or resources. These arrows are often labeled with specific values, such as quantities or rates. The arrows can be directed to a series of receiving circles, which represent the final destination of the flow.

Sankey charts can also be modified to show different types of flows, such as material goods, financial transactions, or data. They are often used in combination with other types of diagrams, such as Gantt charts or Swimlane diagrams, to provide a more comprehensive view of a process or system.

Creating Sankey Charts

There are several software tools available that can help you create Sankey charts, including Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and SmartDraw. These tools typically have a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to add and modify the elements of a Sankey chart with ease.

To create a Sankey chart, follow these steps:

1. Start by defining the source and destination of the flow. This can be represented by a single circle or a group of related circles.
2. Add the arrows that represent the flow of information or resources. These arrows should indicate the direction and magnitude of the flow, as well as any relevant attributes or conditions.
3. Assign values to the arrows, if necessary. This can be done by labeling the arrows with specific quantities or rates, or by adding a number or symbol next to the arrow itself.
4. Position and style the chart as needed. This can include changing the size and color of the circles and arrows, adding shapes or images to aid in clarity, and applying formatting options to improve readability.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts have a wide range of applications in business, project management, and process improvement. Some of the most common uses include:

1. Improving process efficiency: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and optimize the flow of resources or information through a process or system. By identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas for improvement, organizations can make changes that can increase productivity and reduce costs.
2. Managing supply chain logistics: Sankey charts are useful for tracking the movement of goods or materials through a supply chain. They can help companies identify potential risks or issues, such as out-of-stock conditions or transportation delays, and take action to mitigate them.
3. Managing data flow: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and manage the flow of data within a organization. They can help identify data silos, improve data quality, and facilitate more informed decision-making.
4. Identifying opportunities for collaboration: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and identify potential areas for collaboration within an organization. By analyzing the flow of resources or information, companies can identify team members or departments that have complementary skills or resources, and work together to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a valuable tool for visualizing and managing the flow of information or resources within a process or system. Whether you are working on a project, improving a process, or managing a supply chain, Sankey charts can help you

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