Flow Visualized: The Allure of the Sankey Diagram
From complex supply chains to detailed data transmission systems, the human brain can easily become overwhelmed when trying to make sense of high-volume, multifaceted processes. Enter the Sankey diagram, a unique and powerful tool that has grown popular among engineers, scientists, and data analysts for its exceptional capability to present data visually. This article delves into the creation and applications of Sankey diagrams, revealing their allure and the impact they have on various industries.
The Essence of the Sankey Diagram
A Sankey diagram, also known as a Sankey plot, is a type of directional arrow diagram that displays the quantity of flow in a process. Each flow is represented by an arrow, with the width of the arrow representing the quantity of the flow. Originating in the 19th-century work of the English engineer William Playfair, Sankey diagrams have become an indispensable tool for illustrating energy and material flows in all sorts of systems.
Creation of Sankey Diagrams
The process of creating a Sankey diagram can sometimes be challenging; however, with the right tools and understanding, it can be broken down into several manageable steps:
1. Identify the Process
The first step is to identify the process you want to map. This involves determining the key components of the system and understanding how they interact with each other.
2. Define Input and Output Flows
Next, determine the input and output flows of the system. These are the quantities that enter and leave the process, such as materials, energy, or information.
3. Allocate Categories
Allocate the flows to different categories. Each category should represent a significant block or subsystem within the overall system.
4. Create Nodes
Nodes are the points at which two or more streams of flow intersect. These nodes represent specific events or processes in the charted system.
5. Draw Arrows and Measure Flow
Using a suitable software, draw arrows from the sources to the sinks and adjust the width of each arrow to represent the quantity of the flow. The width of an arrow should not exceed the maximum width of any connecting arrow, ensuring visual integrity.
6. Finalize and Refine
Finally, refine your Sankey diagram by adding legends, annotations, and other details to make it informative and visually appealing.
Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and more sophisticated tools like SankeyLab, pySankey, and Gephi can make the creation process more accessible and efficient.
Applications of Sankey Diagrams
Sankey diagrams have a versatile range of applications, including:
1. Energy Management and Conservation
Sankey diagrams are widely used in the energy industry to visualize energy use, production processes, and energy losses. They help to identify inefficient processes or areas where energy conservation can be realized.
2. Logistic and Supply Chain Analysis
In logistics, Sankey diagrams help visualize the flow of goods, materials, and supplies within a supply chain, making it easier to optimize operations and reduce costs.
3. Environmental Impact Assessments
These diagrams can illustrate how waste, pollutants, and carbon emissions are generated and transferred through a process or system, aiding in environmental impact assessments.
4. Data Flow Analysis
For IT professionals, Sankey diagrams are excellent for illustrating data flow within a network or system, identifying bottlenecks, and optimizing data processing.
5. Process Engineering
Sankey diagrams are a staple in process engineering, where they help optimize industrial processes, such as chemical manufacturing and refining.
6. Resource Allocation in Projects
They can be used to showcase resource allocation in projects, mapping out where resources are allocated and identifying potential resource blockages.
Conclusion
The allure of the Sankey diagram lies in its unique ability to present complex systems in an intuitive and visually appealing manner. With their numerous applications across various sectors, Sankey diagrams are a valuable tool for anyone trying to make sense of the intricate flows of data, materials, or energy within a system. By mastering the process of creating them, you can unlock the insights hidden within your own data-driven world.
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.
