Introduction

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that is used to represent the movement of materials or information through a system. They are a powerful tool for analyzing and optimizing processes, as they allow you to see the flow of materials or information and identify opportunities for improvement.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a Sankey chart and show you some examples of how they can be used to improve efficiency and optimize processes.

Step 1: Gathering Data

Before you start creating your Sankey chart, it is important to gather data on the flow of materials or information through your system. This may include data on the inputs and outputs of a process, the amount of time it takes to complete, and any bottlenecks or inefficiencies that exist.

It is important to have a clear understanding of the flow of materials or information through your system before creating a Sankey chart, as this will ensure that your chart accurately reflects the real-world operations of your system.

Step 2: Drawing the Sankey Chart

Once you have gathered your data, it is time to create your Sankey chart. This is typically done using a software tool such as Microsoft Visio, processmap.com, or draw.io.

When drawing your Sankey chart, it is important to start by drawing the main pipes that represent the flow of materials or information through your system. These pipes should be labeled with the inputs and outputs of the corresponding process.

Next, you can draw additional pipes that represent the flow of materials or information between different processes. Be sure to label each pipe with the specific material or information that flows through it.

Step 3: Analyzing the Sankey Chart

After you have created your Sankey chart, it is time to analyze it to identify opportunities for improvement and optimize your process.

Here are a few things to look for when analyzing your Sankey chart:

• Are there any bottlenecks in your process? Are there any processes that take significantly longer than others, causing the flow of materials or information to slow down? Identifying these bottlenecks can help you optimize your process.
• Are there any opportunities for streamlining or simplification? Are there any processes that could be combined or eliminated, reducing the overall flow of materials or information through your system?
• Are there any opportunities for improvement in terms of efficiency or productivity? Are there any processes that could be done more quickly or with less resources? Identifying these opportunities can help you improve the overall efficiency of your system.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for analyzing and optimizing processes. By visualizing the flow of materials or information through your system, you can easily identify bottlenecks, opportunities for improvement, and ways to streamline your process.

In this article, we have shown you the step-by-step process for creating a Sankey chart, and highlighted some key things to look for when analyzing the resulting chart. By following these steps, you can improve the efficiency and optimize your process, ultimately making your organization more productive and successful.

SankeyMaster

SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.