Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding and optimizing the flow of resources in a system. They are particularly useful for identifying and reducing waste in processes. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and several applications for visualizing flow and waste in your system.
Sankey Chart Basics
Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that use directed pipes or arrows to represent the flow of resources between different components of a system. Each pipe is weighted by a value, which represents the amount of resources that flow through it. Sankey charts are useful for identifying and reducing waste in processes by highlighting areas where resources are consumed but not utilized.
To create a Sankey chart, you will need a process map that includes the flow of resources through the system. This can be a flowchart, a diagram of steps in a process, or any other documentation of the process. You will also need to assign a value to each pipe to represent the amount of resources that flow through it.
Sankey Chart Applications
Sankey charts are an effective tool for visualizing flow and waste in a system. Some specific applications for using Sankey charts include:
- Quality improvement
Sankey charts can be used to identify areas where resources are consumed but not utilized, such as bottlenecks or excess processing steps. By identifying these areas, you can focus on improving the process to reduce waste and improve efficiency. - Cost reduction
Sankey charts can be used to identify areas where resources are consumed but not used, such as discarded products or unnecessary packaging. By identifying these areas, you can reduce costs and waste by optimizing the process. - Process optimization
Sankey charts can be used to identify areas where resources can be reused or recycled, such as excess materials or byproducts. By identifying these areas, you can optimize the process to reduce waste and improve efficiency. - Customer Service
Sankey charts can be used to understand the flow of customer service interactions, which can help identify areas for improvement and customer satisfaction. - Environmental management
Sankey charts are useful in identifying and reducing environmental impact by identifying areas where waste is generated, and ways to recycle or minimize waste.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding and optimizing the flow of resources in a system. They are particularly useful for identifying and reducing waste in processes. By understanding the flow of resources and identifying areas for improvement, you can optimize your processes and reduce waste, leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs.
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.