Streamlining Your Process with Sankey Charts: Visualizing Flows and Transitions

Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that is used to visualize the flow of materials, information, or other types of resources. They are a powerful tool for understanding and optimizing complex processes, and can be used in a wide range of industries and applications. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation, as well as some of the ways in which they can be used to streamline and improve your processes.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts are named after the Dutch engineer and statistician Jan de Keyser, who developed the method in the late 1800s. They are a type of flow chart that is used to visualize the flow of materials, information, or other types of resources. Sankey charts are often used to show the origin of materials or information, as well as where they are distributed or consumed.

The chart is composed of two main parts: a set of nodes, and a set of directed edges between the nodes. The nodes represent the various points in the process, such as suppliers, manufacturers, or distribution centers. The edges represent the flow of materials, information, or other resources between the nodes.

Sankey charts are particularly useful for showing the flow of materials or information through a supply chain, or for identifying bottlenecks or areas where improvements can be made. They can also be used to show the flow of resources or information within an organization, or to identify opportunities for process improvement.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Sankey charts are created using a specialized software tool called Visio, which is available as part of the Microsoft Office suite. To create a Sankey chart in Visio, follow these steps:

1. Open Visio and create a new document.
2. Click on the “Charts” tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen.
3. In the search box, type “Sankey” and select the Sankey chart icon from the results.
4. In the Sankey chart editor that appears, enter the data for your chart by clicking on the nodes and adding edges between them.
5. Customize your chart by adding shapes, text, or other elements as needed.
6. Save and run your chart as a Visio drawing.

Once you have created your Sankey chart, you can use it to gain insights and improve your processes. For example, you might use a Sankey chart to:

• Identify bottlenecks in your supply chain and potential areas for improvement
• Show the flow of materials or information within an organization
• Optimize resource allocation and utilization
• Identify opportunities for cross-functional collaboration or process standardization

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a valuable tool for visualizing and optimizing complex processes. They provide a clear and concise way to show the flow of materials, information, or other resources, and can be used to identify bottlenecks, improve resource allocation, and drive process improvement. By using Sankey charts, you can streamline your processes and make data-driven decisions that can have a significant impact on your organization.

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.