Visually Exploring Complex Systems: A Guide to Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that visualize the relationships between different elements in a system. They are particularly useful for visualizing complex systems with multiple sources and destinations. In this article, we will explore how to create a Sankey chart and its applications.

Creating a Sankey chart

To create a Sankey chart, you will need to first identify the elements in your system and the flow of information or resources between them. Once you have identified these elements, you can start creating your Sankey chart.

There are several tools available for creating Sankey charts, including Microsoft Excel, Adobe Illustrator, and Tableau. These tools offer different features and functionalities that can help you customize your chart to suit your specific needs.

When creating a Sankey chart, it is important to keep in mind that the flow of information or resources should be consistent throughout the chart. For example, if you have two sources and two destinations, the flow should only go from one source to one destination.

Applications of Sankey charts

Sankey charts can be used in various fields such as engineering, finance, healthcare, and management science. Here are some examples of how they can be applied:

  1. Energy System: In an energy system, Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of energy from different sources (such as fossil fuels) to different destinations (such as power plants). This can help organizations make informed decisions about energy procurement and distribution.

  2. Healthcare: In healthcare settings, Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of patients between different departments (such as emergency rooms and clinics). This can help healthcare organizations optimize their resource allocation and improve patient outcomes.

  3. Manufacturing: In manufacturing plants, Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials (such as raw materials) from different sources (such as suppliers) to different destinations (such as assembly lines). This can help organizations optimize their production processes and reduce waste.

  4. Finance: In finance settings, Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of money between different accounts (such as checking accounts and savings accounts). This can help organizations better understand their financial health and make informed decisions about investments.

In conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex systems with multiple sources and destinations. By keeping in mind the consistent flow of information or resources throughout the chart, organizations can make more informed decisions about their operations and improve their overall performance. With its versatility and flexibility, Sankey charts are an essential tool for anyone working with complex systems.

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.

SankeyMaster - Unleash the Power of Sankey Diagrams on iOS and macOS.
SankeyMaster is your essential tool for crafting sophisticated Sankey diagrams on both iOS and macOS. Effortlessly input data and create intricate Sankey diagrams that unveil complex data relationships with precision.
SankeyMaster - Unleash the Power of Sankey Diagrams on iOS and macOS.
SankeyMaster is your essential tool for crafting sophisticated Sankey diagrams on both iOS and macOS. Effortlessly input data and create intricate Sankey diagrams that unveil complex data relationships with precision.