Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are commonly used to visualize the transfer of materials, energy, or information between different systems or processes. They are especially useful for identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement in complex systems. In this article, we will explore how to create Sankey charts and the various applications of this visualization tool.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that were invented by Helmut Sankey in the 1930s. They are commonly used to visualize the transfer of materials, energy, or information between different systems or processes. Unlike traditional flowcharts, Sankey charts show the relative proportions of the different types of flow between different nodes or “boxes” in the chart.

Sankey charts are especially useful for identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement in complex systems. For example, a Sankey chart of a manufacturing process might show the flow of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. By analyzing this chart, you might identify areas where materials are being wasted or where production costs are high.

How to Create Sankey Charts

Creating a Sankey chart is relatively simple with most flowcharting software. Here are the steps:

1. Define the source nodes and sink nodes: The source nodes represent the inputs or inputs that are added to the system, and the sink nodes represent the outputs or outputs that are produced by the system.
2. Identify the flows between the nodes: Each flow between two nodes represents a unit of production or consumption of a particular material.
3. Record the relative proportions of each flow: The relative proportions of each flow represent the relative amounts of material, energy, or information that are transferred between the source and sink nodes.
4. Draw the Sankey chart: Using the input and output values recorded in steps 2 and 3, draw a Sankey chart with the source nodes at the top and the sink nodes at the bottom. The flows between the nodes should be proportional to the relative proportions recorded in step 3.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a useful visualization tool that can be used in a wide range of applications, including:

1. Manufacturing and supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials, labor, and capital through a manufacturing or supply chain process. This can help identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
2. Energy and resource management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of energy and resources between different systems or processes. This can help identify opportunities for energy efficiency and waste reduction.
3. Information and communication: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information and communication between different systems or processes. This can help identify areas where information is being lost or where communication could be improved.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a useful visualization tool that can be used to understand the flow of materials, energy, or information between different systems or processes. By identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement, they can be used to optimize and streamline complex systems. Whether you are a manufacturer, energy supplier, or information manager, Sankey charts can be a valuable tool in your process optimization efforts.

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.