Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can help you understand and improve complex processes. They are particularly useful for identifying and optimizing the flows of materials, information, and energy within a system. By visualizing these flows, you can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your processes. In this article, we will discuss the basics of creating Sankey charts, as well as some of the many applications for this type of chart.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that uses directed branches and circles to represent the flows of materials, information, or energy within a system. The chart is named after the Dutch flowchart designer named Charles Sankey, who developed it in the 1920s. Unlike traditional flowcharts, where the arrows indicate the direction of the flow, Sankey charts use circular nodes and directed branches to show the direction of the flow. This allows Sankey charts to better represent the flows of materials and energy, which often have multiple sources and destinations.

Creating a Sankey Chart

There are several software tools available for creating Sankey charts, including Visio, Lucidchart, and SmartDraw. These tools provide a range of templates and shapes that can be used to create the chart, including circles, arrows, and directed branches. To create a Sankey chart, you will need to start by identifying the different flows within your system, and then drawing these flows on the chart using the appropriate shapes and arrows.

Sankey charts are also often used to visualize the flows of materials in manufacturing processes. In these cases, the chart can be used to identify areas where there may be excess or waste, and to develop strategies for optimizing the flow of materials. For example, a Sankey chart for a manufacturing process might show the flow of raw materials into the process, followed by the production of finished goods, and then the distribution of these goods to customers. By visualizing this flow, it may be possible to identify ways to improve the efficiency of the process, such as by reducing the time it takes to complete certain steps or by eliminating unnecessary steps.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in a range of different applications, including process improvement, project management, and resource allocation. Some of the specific ways that Sankey charts may be used include:

• Process improvement: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and understand complex processes, and to identify areas where there may be waste or inefficiencies. By visualizing the flow of materials, information, or energy within a process, it may be possible to identify ways to optimize the process and improve its overall performance.
• Project management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of work within a project, and to track progress against project goals. This can help project managers identify potential issues early on, and take corrective action to ensure that the project stays on track.
• Resource allocation: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources within an organization, and to help managers make informed decisions about how to allocate these resources. For example, a Sankey chart might be used to show the flow of labor, materials, or financial resources within an organization, and to identify areas where there may be bottlenecks or other issues.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can help you understand and improve complex processes. By visualizing the flows of materials, information, or energy within a system, it may be possible to identify opportunities for improvement and make informed decisions about how to optimize your processes. Whether you are looking to improve a manufacturing process, manage a project, or allocate resources within an organization, Sankey charts can be a valuable resource.

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