Streamlining processes with Sankey charts: How to visualize hierarchical information

When it comes to visualizing complex hierarchical information, Sankey charts are a powerful tool. They are particularly useful for showing the flow of materials, energy, or information between different nodes within a system. By creating a Sankey chart, you can easily see how different components of a system interact and identify opportunities for improving efficiency. In this article, we’ll go over how to create and apply Sankey charts to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

What is a Sankey chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that is used to display the flow of materials, energy, or information between different nodes. It was developed by Japanese engineer Niwa Shigeo in the 1970s, and it has since become a popular tool for analyzing and improving complex systems.

Sankey charts have several key features that make them particularly useful for visualizing hierarchical information:

• Flow direction: Sankey charts can show both incoming and outgoing flows, which makes it easy to see how materials, energy, or information move through a system.
• Node labeling: Nodes on a Sankey chart can be labeled with a variety of information, such as the type of resource being used or the location where it is being produced.
• Branching and convergence: Sankey charts can show the flow of materials, energy, or information through a complex system, with multiple paths and nodes branching out and converging on others.

How to create a Sankey chart

Creating a Sankey chart is relatively straightforward, and there are a number of software tools available that make it easy to do. Some popular options include:

• Microsoft Visio
• Lucidchart
• SmartDraw
• Gliffy

To create a Sankey chart, follow these steps:

1. Choose a software tool: Decide which software tool you want to use to create your Sankey chart. There are several options available, so you should choose one that is easy to use and has the features you need.
2. Create a new chart: Open the software tool and create a new chart.
3. Add nodes: Add the nodes that will be included in your Sankey chart. Nodes can be added manually or imported from a spreadsheet.
4. Connect nodes: Connect the nodes in your chart to show the flow of materials, energy, or information between them.
5. Customize the chart: Customize your Sankey chart by adding labels, changing the appearance of nodes, and more.
6. Save the chart: Once you have finished creating your Sankey chart, save it to your computer so that you can use it later.

Applying Sankey charts to streamline processes

Once you have created a Sankey chart, you can use it to identify opportunities for improving efficiency in your system. Here are some ways that you can apply Sankey charts to streamline processes:

1. Identify bottlenecks: By looking at the flow of materials, energy, or information through your system, you can identify areas where there are bottlenecks or where resources are being wasted. For example, you might find that one node in your system is taking up a disproportionate amount of resources.
2. Optimize resource allocation: By analyzing the flow of resources through your system, you can identify areas where resources are being allocated inefficiently. For example, you might find that some nodes are underutilized, while others are overworked.
3. Improve communication: Sankey charts can help you to better understand the flow of materials, energy, or information through your system, which can improve communication within your team. By working together to identify and address bottlenecks and inefficiencies, you can improve the overall efficiency of your system.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex hierarchical information. They are particularly useful for showing the flow of materials, energy, or information between different nodes within a system. By creating a Sankey chart, you can easily see how different components of a system interact and identify opportunities for improving efficiency. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create and apply Sankey charts to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

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.