Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that can be used to visualize the flow of materials, information, or funds through a process. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks and areas where improvements can be made to streamline the process. In this article, we will explore how to create Sankey charts and provide some examples of their application in different fields.
Sankey chart creation
There are several software programs that can be used to create Sankey charts, including Microsoft Excel, Lucidchart, and Google Sheets. Here, we will outline the steps to create a Sankey chart in Microsoft Excel:
- Open Microsoft Excel and create a new workbook.
- In cell A1, enter the starting point of the process.
- In cell B1, enter the flow of materials or information through the process.
- In cells C1-Cn, enter the inputs and outputs for each step of the process.
- In cell A2, copy the starting point to the other cells in the A column.
- In cell B2, insert a new Sankey chart from the “Insert” tab.
- In cell B3, select “Sankey chart” from the chart type options.
- In cell B4, adjust the Sankey chart properties to fit your needs.
Applications
Sankey charts can be used in a variety of fields, including engineering, finance, and healthcare. Here are a few examples:
Engineering:
Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing process. Engineers can use this information to identify areas where material costs can be reduced orprocesses can be optimized.
Finance:
Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of funds through a financial organization. This can help managers identify areas where resources can be allocated more effectively or where cost cutting measures can be implemented.
Healthcare:
Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information or resources through a healthcare facility. This can help administrators identify areas where resources can be streamlined or where bottlenecks exist.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a valuable tool for streamlining processes and identifying areas for improvement. By creating a visual representation of the flow of materials, information, or funds through a process, managers can gain a better understanding of how to optimize their operations. In this article, we have explored how to create Sankey charts and highlighted some of their applications in different fields.
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