Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding the flow of materials or information within a system. They are often used to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in a process. In this article, we will explore how to create and apply Sankey charts, and the many ways they can be used to improve your system.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that is used to represent the flow of materials or information between different entities or stages in a system. It is named after graphic designer and engineer Charles Sankey, who developed the chart in the early 20th century. Sankey charts are particularly useful for understanding complex systems, such as supply chains, product development processes, or marketing campaigns.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart involves the following steps:

1. Identify the entities and stages in your system. These can include suppliers, customers, raw materials, finished goods, and various production or marketing stages.
2. Determine the direction of flow for each entity or stage. For example, the flow of materials between a supplier and a customer will typically be from the supplier to the customer, whereas the flow of information between two stages in production may be bi-directional.
3. Connect the entities or stages using arrows to represent the flow of materials or information. The arrows should be labeled with the relevant quantities or amounts.
4. Optionally, you can add additional details to the chart, such as labels, images, or other visual aids, to help clarify the flow and identify any bottlenecks or inefficiencies.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a flexible tool that can be used to visualize a wide range of systems. Here are just a few examples of how they can be applied:

1. Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to map out the flow of materials or information from suppliers to customers, and identify any bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the process.
2. Product development: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of materials and information through a product development process, highlighting the different stages and decision points.
3. Marketing and advertising: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information or materials through a marketing campaign, and identify any areas where the campaign may be falling short.
4. Process optimization: Sankey charts can be used to identify and address bottlenecks or other inefficiencies in a process, and suggest ways to improve the flow of materials or information.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding the flow of materials or information within a system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create and apply Sankey charts to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in your system. Whether you are managing a supply chain, developing a product, or optimizing a process, Sankey charts can help you visualize and improve the flow of materials or information in your system.

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