Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that visualize the flow of materials, resources, or information between different processes, systems, or individuals. They are often used to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and finance. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and application, as well as how to unlock the secrets of these powerful visual aids.

What are Sankey charts?

Sankey charts are named after their creator, Henry Gantt, who developed the chart in the late 19th century. They are a type of flowchart that use directed arrows to represent the flow of materials, resources, or information between different processes or entities. Unlike other types of flowcharts, such as Gantt charts or Pareto charts, Sankey charts focus on illustrating the direction of the flow rather than the magnitude or efficiency of the flow.

Sankey charts are used to visualize the flow of materials or resources between different processes or entities, and can be used to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas for improvement in various industries. They are often used in manufacturing, logistics, and finance, among other fields.

How to create a Sankey chart

Creating a Sankey chart requires a few basic components: a flowmap, a flow network, and a set of flow rates. A flowmap is a collection of nodes and directed arrows that represent the flow of materials, resources, or information between different processes or entities. A flow network is a directed graph that connects the nodes in the flowmap with directed edges that represent the flow rates between them. Flow rates represent the amount of materials, resources, or information that flows between two nodes in a given time period.

To create a Sankey chart, follow these steps:

1. Identify the different processes or entities that need to be represented in the chart.
2. Create a flowmap that includes nodes for each process or entity and arrows to indicate the flow of materials, resources, or information between them.
3. Use a flow network to connect the nodes in the flowmap with edges that represent the flow rates between them.
4. Assign a unique identifier to each node and edge in the flow network, and label the edges with the corresponding flow rates.
5. Customize the chart as needed, such as adding color-coding, data visualization, or annotations.

Applications of Sankey charts

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of materials, resources, or information between different processes or entities. They are used in various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and finance, to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas for improvement. Here are some examples of how Sankey charts are used in different industries:

1. Manufacturing: Sankey charts are often used in manufacturing to visualize the flow of materials between different processes, such as raw material acquisition, production, and inventory management. By identifying bottlenecks or areas for improvement, manufacturers can optimize their processes and reduce waste.
2. Logistics: Sankey charts are useful in logistics to visualize the flow of goods between different locations, such as suppliers, distribution centers, and retailers. By analyzing the flow of goods, logistics providers can identify opportunities for improvements, such as reducing transit times or cutting unnecessary transportation.
3. Finance: Sankey charts are used in finance to visualize the flow of financial investments, such as stocks, bonds, or real estate. By analyzing the flow of investments, financial analysts can identify trends, risks, and opportunities to optimize investment strategies.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of materials, resources, or information between different processes or entities. They are used in various industries to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas for improvement. To create a Sankey chart, you need a flowmap, a flow network, and a set of flow rates. By customizing the chart, you can add color-coding, data visualization, or annotations to better communicate the flow patterns and trends. Sankey charts are an essential tool for anyone interested in improving efficiency, reducing waste, or identifying areas for optimization in their processes.

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