Sankey charts are an effective tool for visualizing the flow of materials and information through a supply chain. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, improving efficiency, and optimizing resource allocation. In this article, we will explore the creation and applications of Sankey charts for supply chain analysis.
What are Sankey Charts
Sankey charts, also known as directional flow diagrams (DFD), are a type of flowchart that represents the flow of materials or information through a system. They are useful for identifying the relationships between different nodes or units in a supply chain and the direction of these relationships.
DFDs are particularly useful for supply chain analysis because they provide a visual representation of the flow of materials and information through the chain. This can help identify bottlenecks and areas where improvements can be made to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
How do Sankey Charts work
Sankey charts are created using a set of pre-defined symbols and lines to represent the flow of materials and information through a system. The chart is divided into two main sections: the input section, which represents the source of materials or information, and the output section, which represents the destination of these materials or information.
The chart is then filled in with arrows, which represent the flow of materials and information through the system. These arrows are directed towards the output section, which indicates that they are leaving the system.
Sankey charts can also be customized to include additional information such as the names of the nodes or units, quantities of materials or information, and flow rates.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are useful for a variety of supply chain analysis applications, including:
- Identifying bottlenecks: Sankey charts can help identify bottlenecks in a supply chain by highlighting areas where materials or information are held up or delayed.
- Improving efficiency: By visualizing the flow of materials and information through a supply chain, Sankey charts can help identify areas where improvements can be made to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
- Optimizing resource allocation: Sankey charts can help identify the optimal allocation of resources throughout a supply chain, allowing organizations to make informed decisions about resource allocation.
- Conducting scenario analysis: Sankey charts can be used to conduct scenario analysis, which involves simulating how changes to a supply chain would affect the flow of materials and information.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for supply chain analysis that can help identify bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and optimize resource allocation. By visualizing the flow of materials and information through a supply chain, Sankey charts provide a clear and concise representation of the system that can be used to make informed decisions about how to optimize the flow of materials and information.
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