Sankey charts, also known as flowcharts, are a type of diagram that helps to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information between different entities. They are an effective tool for process improvement and visualizing complex systems. In this article, we will discuss how to create and apply Sankey charts to improve processes and enhance understanding of complex systems.

What are Sankey charts?

Sankey charts are flowchart diagrams that use arrows to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information between different entities. They are named after their creator, Charles Sankey, who introduced the chart in the early 20th century. Sankey charts are widely used in a variety of fields, including engineering, logistics, and finance.

Sankey charts can be used to represent a wide range of processes, including:

• Material flow
• Energy flow
• Financial flow
• Information flow

Sankey charts are particularly useful for process improvement because they help to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. They can also be used to visualize complex systems, making it easier to understand the relationships between different entities.

Creating Sankey charts

Creating a Sankey chart requires some knowledge of diagramming software such as Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or Gliffy. Once you have chosen a software, the process of creating a Sankey chart is relatively straightforward.

To create a Sankey chart, follow these steps:

1. Define the process or system you want to visualize
2. Identify the entities involved in the process
3. Determine the directions of the flow (inbound and outbound arrows)
4. Place the arrows on the chart to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information
5. Attach labels and details to each arrow to provide additional context
6. Customize the chart as needed to enhance understanding and identify areas for improvement

Applying Sankey charts for process improvement

Sankey charts can be a powerful tool for process improvement by helping to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. Here are some specific ways that Sankey charts can be applied to process improvement:

1. Identifying bottlenecks: Sankey charts can be used to identify the bottlenecks in a process, allowing you to focus on improving those areas.
2. Analyzing resource usage: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources within a process, allowing you to identify areas where resources may be overused or underused.
3. Improving efficiency: Sankey charts can be used to identify ways to improve the efficiency of a process, allowing you to streamline operations and reduce waste.
4. Identifying risks and opportunities: Sankey charts can be used to identify risks and opportunities within a process, allowing you to take proactive steps to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for process improvement and visualizing complex systems. They are easy to create and can be used to identify bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and visualize resource usage. By applying Sankey charts to your processes, you can gain valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions and improve overall performance. So, next time you need to visualize a complex process, consider using a Sankey chart to gain a better understanding of the flow of materials, energy, or information.

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.