Streamlining Information: The Art of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that are used to visually represent the flow of materials, energy, or information through a system. They were first introduced by Swiss engineer and statistician Leo Sankey back in the late 19th century. Since then, they have become a popular tool for understanding and optimizing complex systems.
In this article, we will discuss the ins and outs of creating Sankey charts, as well as some of their practical applications.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
The process of creating a Sankey chart is relatively straightforward. Here are the general steps:
- Identify the flow of interest: The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to determine the flow of interest that you want to visualize. This may be a material flow, a process flow, or an information flow.
- Choose the flow direction: In a Sankey chart, the flow direction is represented by the width of the chart. Decide whether you want to represent a flowing process or a stock-and-flow process, and choose the appropriate flow direction.
- Draw the flow paths: Start by drawing the flow paths that represent the movement of materials, energy, or information through the system.
- Assign unit values: Next, assign unit values to each flow path. This will help you to calculate the flow rates and energy balances for the system.
- Label the chart: Finally, add labels to the chart to make it easier to interpret.
Some software programs have built-in Sankey chart creation tools, such as Excel or Aspen HYSYS. Alternatively, you can use specialized software packages such as TransCAD or FlowWare.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for understanding and optimizing complex systems. Here are just a few examples of their practical applications:
- Material flow analysis: Sankey charts are commonly used for material flow analysis, to understand the movement of materials through a production process or a supply chain.
- Process flow optimization: Sankey charts can be used to analyze and optimize process flows, by identifying opportunities for reducing waste, improving efficiency, and increasing throughput.
- Energy analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the energy flows within a system, and to identify opportunities for reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency.
- Water flow analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the movement of water through a system, and to identify opportunities for reducing water usage and improving water efficiency.
- Information flow analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of information within a system, and to identify opportunities for improving information sharing and collaboration.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a valuable tool for understanding and optimizing complex systems. By visualizing the flow of materials, energy, or information through a system, they can help you to identify opportunities for improving efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing sustainability. If you’re looking to streamline your information and improve your understanding of your systems, a Sankey chart may be the perfect tool for you.
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.
