Flowcharting has been around for over a century, and it remains an effective tool for visualizing and understanding complex systems. One type of flowchart that has gained popularity in recent years is the Sankey chart. In this article, we’ll explore what Sankey charts are, how they’re created, and the applications that make them a powerful tool for innovation.
What are Sankey charts?
Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams or Sankey flowcharts, are a type of flowchart that are used to represent the flow of materials or information between entities. Unlike traditional flowcharts, which often focus on the movement of goods or services, Sankey charts focus on the flow of resources or information between different entities.
The basic structure of a Sankey chart consists of a set of interconnected circles, with the circles representing the entities involved in the flow of resources or information. Each circle is connected to other circles by arrows, which represent the flow of resources or information between the entities.
How are Sankey charts created?
Sankey charts can be created using a variety of software tools, including Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and draw.io. These tools provide a range of features and settings for creating Sankey charts, including the ability to customize the appearance of the chart and add annotations and other elements to improve clarity.
To create a Sankey chart, you first need to define the entities and the relationships between them. These can be represented by circles and arrows, respectively. You can then use the charting software to connect the circles and arrows to create the chart.
Uses of Sankey charts
Sankey charts have a wide range of applications, including:
- Process analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze and visualize the flow of resources or information through a process, helping you identify bottlenecks and areas where improvements can be made.
- Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to represent the flow of materials or information between different stages in a supply chain, helping you identify potential challenges and opportunities for optimization.
- Innovation: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and understand the flow of ideas or information between different individuals or groups, helping you identify potential opportunities for collaboration or innovation.
- Environmental management: Sankey charts can be used to represent the flow of resources or pollutants through an environmental system, helping you identify areas where interventions or changes can be made to improve sustainability.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful and flexible tool for visualizing and understanding complex systems, whether they are related to process improvement, supply chain management, innovation, or environmental management. By creating Sankey charts, you can gain valuable insights into the flow of resources or information between different entities, and identify opportunities for improvement or innovation. If you’re looking to unlock the power of Sankey charts, then it’s time to start exploring these tools and applying them to your own projects and processes.
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.
