Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are particularly useful for visualizing processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. They were originally developed by British engineer and computer scientist Peter Sankey during the 1970s, and have since become a popular tool for process mapping and data visualization.
In this article, we’ll explore how to create Sankey charts and the various applications they can be used for.
Creating a Sankey Chart
A Sankey chart is made up of two parts: the flow network and the linkages between the nodes. The flow network represents the flow of materials, services, or information through a process, while the linkages between the nodes represent the connections between the different nodes in the process.
To create a Sankey chart, you can use a variety of software tools such as Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or ProcessOn. Here is an example of how to create a Sankey chart using Microsoft Visio:
- Open Microsoft Visio and create a new document.
- Insert a rectangle to represent the start of the process.
- Insert another rectangle to represent the end of the process.
- Connect the start rectangle to the end rectangle using arrows to represent the flow of the process.
- Insert new rectangles as needed to represent intermediate steps or gates in the process.
- Connect the arrows to the appropriate nodes on the intermediate rectangles to complete the flow network.
- Customize the chart by adding labels, formatting, and other visual elements as desired.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of contexts, including process management, supply chain analysis, and data visualization. Here are some specific applications of Sankey charts:
Process Management
Sankey charts are often used in process management to visualize the flow of materials, services, or information through a process. By mapping out the flow of the process, organizations can identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. For example, a manufacturing company might use a Sankey chart to visualize the flow of raw materials into the production process, and the chart could be used to highlight areas where material handoffs could be optimized.
Supply Chain Analysis
Sankey charts are also useful for analyzing supply chains. By visualizing the flow of goods and services through the supply chain, organizations can identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. For example, a retailer might use a Sankey chart to visualize the flow of products through the supply chain, and the chart could be used to identify opportunities to reduce lead times or improve inventory management.
Data Visualization
Sankey charts are also useful for data visualization. By mapping out the flow of data through a process, organizations can identify patterns, trends, and correlations. For example, a marketing team might use a Sankey chart to visualize the flow of customer data through the marketing process, and the chart could be used to identify areas where customer feedback could be gathered more effectively.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. By creating a flow network and linking the nodes, organizations can gain a better understanding of their processes and make data-driven decisions to optimize performance. Whether used in process management, supply chain analysis, or data visualization, Sankey charts offer a visual and engaging way to explore complex data.
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