Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding and optimizing processes. They are especially useful for visualizing flow in complex systems and identifying areas for improvement. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation, as well as some examples of how they can be applied in different contexts.
What are Sankey charts?
Sankey charts are named after their creator, Helmut Sankey, who developed the technique in the 1930s. They are a type of flowchart that use directional arrows to represent the flow of goods, services, or ideas between different nodes or processes. Unlike traditional flowcharts, Sankey charts focus on the direction of flow rather than the quantity or type of items passing through each node.
How do Sankey charts work?
Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing the flow of materials or information through a complex system. They allow you to easily see how different components or processes are interconnected and how changes to one component can impact the entire system. Sankey charts also provide a clear way to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the system.
To create a Sankey chart, first identify the different nodes or processes in your system. Then, draw directional arrows between these nodes to represent the flow of goods, services, or ideas. You can use different colors or symbols to distinguish between different types of flow. Finally, adjust the chart as needed to better represent the flow in your system.
Applications of Sankey charts
Sankey charts can be applied in a variety of contexts, including manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management. Here are a few examples of how they can be used:
- Manufacturing: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing process. This can help identify areas where materials are being wasted or where production efficiency could be improved.
- Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in a supply chain. This can help organizations make improvements to their processes and reduce costs.
- Process improvement: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of a process and identify areas where improvement is needed. This can help organizations implement changes to improve efficiency or reduce waste.
- Service design: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of services such as customer support or technical support. This can help organizations identify areas where customer experience could be improved and make changes to better meet customer needs.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding and optimizing processes. They are especially useful for visualizing flow in complex systems and identifying areas for improvement. By using Sankey charts, organizations can make improvements to their processes, reduce costs, and better meet customer needs.
SankeyMaster
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