Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for representing flows, transfers, or processes where the magnitude of the flow is important. They are particularly well-suited for visualizing energy flows and can be an essential tool for optimizing and understanding the efficiency of your factory floor. This article will walk you through the process of creating a Sankey chart to visualize energy flows and streamline efficiency on your factory floor.
Step 1: Data Collection
The first step in creating a Sankey chart starts with data collection. You’ll need to gather information on energy consumption across different processes, machinery, or departments on your factory floor. This might include data on electric power consumption, steam consumption, or the use of other energy sources.
Step 2: Data Structuring
Once you have collected your data, you need to structure it in a way that’s suitable for a Sankey chart. Typically, this involves organizing data into categories such as “energy source,” “output,” and “amount of energy” for each category or node. Each “arrow” in the Sankey diagram represents the flow from one category to another, with the width of the arrow indicating the volume or flow rate of energy.
Step 3: Tool Selection
Choosing the right tool for creating a Sankey chart is crucial. There are various software options available, both online and offline. Popular choices include:
- TidyRank (an open-source tool): Ideal for small to medium-sized datasets.
- Graphviz: Great for more complex datasets and offers advanced customization options.
- Microsoft Excel with specific add-ins (like Power Query and Power Pivot for data import and manipulation, and possibly third-party Sankey chart add-ins).
- R and
sankeydiagramlibrary: Suitable for detailed customization and handling large datasets. - HTML/CSS/JS using libraries like D3.js: Best for customizing every aspect of your chart, suitable for web-based applications.
Step 4: Creating the Chart
Using your chosen tool, you can create a Sankey chart. This typically involves:
- Mapping the nodes: Assigning names to the energy inputs and outputs.
- Designating the flows: Inputting the volume of energy flowing between each pair of nodes.
- Configuring visual elements: Deciding on a color scheme, labels, and other aesthetic choices.
Step 5: Analyzing the Chart
Once the chart is created, use it to analyze energy flows and efficiency:
– Identify energy hotspots: Areas with high energy consumption or losses.
– Analyze efficiency: By looking at the thickness of the arrows, determine which processes are most or least efficient.
– Plan improvements: Based on the chart insights, plan to optimize certain processes or invest in energy-saving technology.
Step 6: Sharing Insights
Present the Sankey chart to stakeholders within your organization. Use the chart to communicate findings effectively:
– Improvement proposals: Highlight areas for potential improvements.
– Budget allocation: Propose a budget for implementing changes based on the chart’s insights.
– Strategic planning: Use the efficiency analysis to guide future planning and system upgrades.
Step 7: Iterative Improvement
Sankey charts should not be seen as a one-time solution. Keep updating the chart as new data becomes available or as changes are implemented. Continuous monitoring and update cycles will help maintain and continuously improve energy efficiency on your factory floor.
Conclusion
Sankey charts provide a powerful way to visualize energy flows and optimize your factory floor’s efficiency. By carefully collecting and structuring data, selecting the right tools for your needs, and continuously refining your approach based on new insights, you can use Sankey charts to drive significant improvements in energy consumption and overall operational efficiency.
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.
