Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are particularly useful for visualizing the flow of materials, energy, and information through a system. They are named after Richard Sankey, a British inventor who patented the technique in 1961. Sankey charts are often used to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of a system, as well as to identify opportunities for improving efficiency and reducing waste.

In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and the many applications of this powerful visualization tool.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a flowchart that uses arrows to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information through a system. The chart uses two sets of arrows to show the input and output of each process or step in the system. The arrows are connected by Sankey links, which show the quantitative relationship between the input and output of each process or step.

Sankey charts provide a powerful way to visualize complex systems and identify opportunities for improving efficiency and reducing waste. They are particularly useful for analyzing the flow of materials or energy through a manufacturing process, a supply chain, or an environmental system.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart is relatively easy, using specialized software such as SankeyMaker, Microsoft Visio or Lucidchart. These tools provide a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to add and connect arrows and links to create a Sankey chart.

To create a Sankey chart in SankeyMaker, follow these steps:

1. Open SankeyMaker and select “Sankey Chart.”
2. Click and drag to add a shape for your first process.
3. Double-click on the shape to add a link to the input of the process.
4. Repeat step 3 for each process or step in your system.
5. Connect the links using Sankey links.
6. Customize the chart with colors, styling, and annotations.

Using SankeyMaker and other similar software, you can easily create a Sankey chart in a matter of minutes.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts have a wide range of applications, including:

1. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or energy through a manufacturing process or supply chain, allowing you to identify opportunities for reducing waste and improving efficiency.
2. Environmental Systems: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or energy through an environmental system, such as a water or waste treatment plant, allowing you to identify areas where waste can be reduced or resources can be conserved.
3. Performance Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of performance indicators, such as sales or website traffic, allowing you to identify areas where performance needs to be improved.
4. Innovation: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of ideas or information, allowing you to identify new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can be used in a wide range of applications to visualize the flow of materials, energy, and information through a system. They are easy to create using specialized software, and provide a powerful way to analyze and improve complex systems. Whether you are looking to reduce waste, improve efficiency, or identify new opportunities for innovation, Sankey charts are an invaluable tool for visualizing flow and network relationships.

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.