Flowcharting the Path to Success: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding the flow of materials, energy, or information through a system. They are particularly useful in showing the relative importance or magnitude of different inputs and outputs, and can be used to identify opportunities for optimization or improvement. In this guide, we will walk through the step-by-step process of creating a Sankey chart, from gathering data to interpreting and presenting the results.

Step 1: Identify the Objective

Before creating a Sankey chart, it is important to define the objective of the chart. This could be to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing process, the distribution of pollution emissions, or the flow of information between different departments within an organization.

Step 2: Gather Input and Output Data

Data is the heart of any Sankey chart, and it is essential to gather enough information to create an accurate and meaningful visualization. Input data refers to the raw materials, energy, or information that enters the system, while output data refers to the finished products, waste, or information that exits the system. It may be necessary to gather additional data, such as conversion rates or transportation distances, to fully understand the flow of the system.

Step 3: Choose a Sankey Chart Type

There are two types of Sankey charts: flow and stock. Flow charts focus on the movement of materials or information through the system, while stock charts focus on the stock levels or inventory at each node in the system. It is important to choose the appropriate chart type based on the objective of the chart.

Step 4: Draw the Flow Diagram

Once the input and output data has been gathered and the chart type has been chosen, it is time to draw the flow diagram. This diagram shows the flow path through the system, with nodes representing the different inputs, outputs, or processes. It is important to ensure that the flow diagram is accurate and complete, and that all nodes are labeled and connected by arrows to indicate the direction of the flow.

Step 5: Add Sankey Markers

After the flow diagram has been drawn, it is time to add Sankey markers. These markers represent the flows at each node in the system, and are used to calculate the relative importance or magnitude of each flow. Sankey markers are typically shown as diamonds or circles with the flow rate or capacity written in the center, and can be customized to match the style of the chart.

Step 6: Calculate the Sankey Coefficient

The Sankey coefficient is used to measure the relative importance of each flow in the system. This coefficient is calculated by dividing the flow rate at the input node by the flow rate at the output node, and is expressed as a dimensionless number between 0 and 1. A Sankey coefficient of 1 indicates that the flow is equally important, while a Sankey coefficient of 0 indicates that the flow is negligible.

Step 7: Analyze and Present the Sankey Chart

Once the Sankey chart has been created, it is time to analyze and present the results. This could involve identifying areas for improvement or optimization, or comparing the performance of different processes or systems. Sankey charts can be presented in a variety of formats, such as a graphical representation or a written report.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a useful visualization tool for understanding the flow of materials, energy, or information through a system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create an accurate and meaningful Sankey chart that can be used to gain insights and drive positive change.

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