Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can help supply chain managers gain insights into the flow of goods and services. By mapping out the various stages and processes involved in a supply chain, Sankey charts can help identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and other areas for improvement. In this article, we will explore how to create Sankey charts and the many applications they can be used for in supply chain management.
What are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts are named after the Dutch engineer and statistician Leo Sankey, who invented the chart in the early 20th century. They are highly effective for showing the flow of goods and services through a supply chain, highlighting the various intermediaries and processes involved. Sankey charts use a specialized set of symbols and lines to represent the flow of goods and services, making it easy to identify patterns and trends.
Creating Sankey Charts
There are several software programs available that can help you create Sankey charts, including Sankey Flowchart, SmartDraw, and Lucidchart. These programs allow you to input data on the flow of goods and services, as well as the various stages and processes involved. You can then use the software to generate a Sankey chart that shows the flow of goods and services through your supply chain.
Applications of Sankey Charts in Supply Chain Management
There are many different applications of Sankey charts in supply chain management, including:
- Identifying bottlenecks: Sankey charts can help you identify areas in your supply chain where goods and services are being held up, such as bottlenecks in transportation or in the manufacturing process. This information can help you take action to reduce wait times and improve the overall efficiency of your supply chain.
- Optimizing processes: By mapping out the flow of goods and services in your supply chain, you can identify opportunities for process improvement. For example, you may discover that you are spending too much time transporting goods between different locations, and could consider using alternative modes of transportation, such as rail or air freight.
- Improving inventory management: Sankey charts can also help you identify areas where inventory management needs to be improved. For example, you may discover that your supply chain is having trouble keeping up with demand, and could take steps to increase production capacity or optimize inventory levels.
- Identifying opportunities for outsourcing: Sankey charts can help you visualize the flow of goods and services through your supply chain, which can help you identify areas where outsourcing could be beneficial. For example, you may discover that you are spending a significant amount of time and resources on a particular stage of your supply chain, and could consider outsourcing this function to a third party.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a valuable tool for supply chain management, allowing you to visualize the flow of goods and services through your supply chain and identify areas for improvement. By using Sankey charts, you can optimize your supply chain, reduce bottlenecks, and improve the overall efficiency of your organization. Whether you are a small business owner or a large corporation, Sankey charts can help you gain valuable insights into your supply chain and improve its performance.
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.
