Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding and optimizing the flow of materials, energy, or information in a system. They are named after their creator, Process Flow Chart, Inc. founder Richard E. Sankey. Here’s how you can use Sankey charts to unleash the power of process in your organization.

What are Sankey charts?

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that use directed arrows to show the direction and rate of flow of materials, energy, or information. Each Sankey chart consists of a central area for the flow and branches that represent the inputs and outputs of the system. The arrows are used to show the direction and rate of flow, with solid lines indicating a constant flow and dotted lines indicating a varying flow.

Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing the flow of materials in industrial and manufacturing systems, but they can also be applied to other types of systems, such as supply chain management, financial systems, or information systems.

Creation of Sankey charts

Sankey charts can be created using a variety of software tools, such as Microsoft Excel, Visio, or Lucidchart. Here’s how to create a simple Sankey chart using Microsoft Excel:

1. Open Microsoft Excel and create a new worksheet.
2. Enter the data for the Sankey chart in columns. The inputs should be listed in the first column, and the outputs should be listed in the second column.
3. Use directed arrows to connect the inputs to the outputs, indicating the direction and rate of flow.
4. Format the chart as desired, including adding labels, changing the arrow colors, or adding graphics.

Applications of Sankey charts

Sankey charts can be used to identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve the overall efficiency of a system. Here are a few examples of how Sankey charts can be used:

1. Identify bottlenecks: Sankey charts can be used to identify the bottlenecks in a process, such as a step that takes the longest time or requires the most resources. By highlighting these bottlenecks, it is possible to focus resources on improving the efficiency of these critical steps.
2. Optimize processes: Sankey charts can be used to identify areas where processes can be optimized, such as reducing the time it takes to complete a task or improving the efficiency of a step. By analyzing the flow of materials, energy, or information, it is possible to identify areas where changes can be made to improve the overall performance of the system.
3. Improve resource allocation: Sankey charts can be used to improve resource allocation within a system. By understanding the flow of materials or information, it is possible to allocate resources more efficiently and improve the overall performance of the system.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding and optimizing the flow of materials, energy, or information in a system. They are easy to create and can be applied to a wide range of systems, such as industrial and manufacturing systems, supply chain management, financial systems, and information systems. By identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processes, and improving resource allocation, Sankey charts can help organizations improve their overall efficiency and performance.

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