Unleashing the Flow: A Guide to Mastering Sankey Charting

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of material or data between different vessels or processes. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks or areas for improvement in a system. In this guide, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and how to apply them to various situations.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that uses directional arrows to show the flow of materials or information from one process to another. The chart consists of a network of nodes and links that represent the different steps in the process. The links are oriented in one direction to indicate that the flow of materials or information moves in only one direction.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

There are several software programs that allow you to create Sankey charts. Some of the most popular include:

1. Microsoft Visio: Visio is a professional diagramming and charting software that includes a wide range of templates for creating Sankey charts.
2. Lucidchart: Lucidchart is a cloud-based online diagramming tool that offers a wide range of templates and shapes for creating Sankey charts.
3. SmartDraw: SmartDraw is a desktop diagramming and collaboration software that offers a variety of templates for creating Sankey charts.

Once you have selected a software program, you can create a new Sankey chart and add nodes and links to represent the different processes and steps in your system. You can also customize the chart by selecting different colors, shapes, and styles for the nodes and links.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of applications, including:

1. Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or information from raw materials to finished products in a supply chain.
2. Process improvement: Sankey charts can be used to identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement in a process.
3. Demand planning: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of demand for a product or service.
4. Product lifecycle management: Sankey charts can be used to track the flow of materials or information through the different stages of a product’s lifecycle.
5. Financial analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of money or financial information between different accounts.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a valuable tool for visualizing the flow of materials or data between different processes or vessels. By using Sankey charts, you can identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement and make informed decisions about process optimization. With the many software programs available, creating a Sankey chart has never been easier.

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