The Sankey chart, also known as the Sankey flowchart, is a type of diagram used to visualize the flow of materials, energy, or information between different nodes or entities. It is particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processes, and understanding the interconnections between different parts of a system. In this article, we will explore how to create Sankey charts, their applications, and how they can be used to gain insights and make data-driven decisions.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that is used to visualize the flow of materials, energy, or information between different nodes or entities. It is named after the Dutch engineer Louis Pasteur Sankey, who first proposed the use of flowcharts to represent the flow of materials in a biological system.
Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processes, and understanding the interconnections between different parts of a system. They are often used to visualize the flow of materials or energy through a production process, to show the conversion of one form of energy to another, or to track the movement of information or resources.
Creating a Sankey Chart
There are several software programs and online tools that can be used to create Sankey charts. Some of the most popular include:
- Sankey Flowchart Designer: a freeware tool that allows users to create Sankey charts using a simple point-and-click interface
- Visio: a paid Microsoft Office program that includes a Sankey chart template that can be used to create Sankey charts
- Lucidchart: a paid online diagramming tool that includes a Sankey chart template that can be used to create Sankey charts
Once you have selected a program or tool, you will typically be able to create a Sankey chart by specifying the nodes and arrows that represent the flow of materials, energy, or information between them.
Applications
Sankey charts are widely used in a variety of industries and fields, including manufacturing, energy and utilities, healthcare, and finance. Some common applications of Sankey charts include:
- Identifying bottlenecks: Sankey charts can be used to identify where in a process materials or energy are being held up or converted inefficiently, which can help to optimize the process and improve efficiency.
- Tracking resource flows: Sankey charts can be used to track the movement of materials, energy, or information between different entities, including tracking the conversion of one form of energy to another.
- Showcasing the interconnections between different parts of a system: Sankey charts can be used to show how different parts of a system are interconnected and how they relate to each other.
- Conducting predictive maintenance: Sankey charts can be used to identify potential bottlenecks or issues before they occur, which can help to prevent downtime and reduce maintenance costs.
- Developing process improvement initiatives: Sankey charts can be used to identify areas where processes can be improved, which can help to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of materials, energy, or information between different nodes or entities. With their ability to identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and understand interconnections, Sankey charts are a valuable resource for any organization looking to gain insights and make data-driven decisions. By using software programs and tools like Sankey Flowchart Designer, Visio, or Lucidchart, you can easily create Sankey charts to meet your specific needs.
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