Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams, are a type of flowchart that are used to represent the flow of materials, information, or financial transactions through a process or system. Unlike traditional flowcharts, Sankey charts focus on the direction and magnitude of flows, rather than just the sequence of steps.Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing and analyzing complex systems with multiple inputs and outputs. They are also useful for tracking and optimizing the flow of materials, resources, or money within a business.

Sankey charting is relatively easy to do using specialized software such as Visio, LibreOffice Calc, or Lucidchart, which provide a range of shapes, symbols, and connectors to create the chart. Here are some tips for creating effective Sankey charts:

1. Clearly define your goal: What do you want to achieve with your Sankey chart? Are you trying to identify bottlenecks in the system, track the flow of materials, or analyze the financial performance of your organization? Knowing your goal will help you choose the right data to include and the way to present the chart.
2. Use appropriate symbols and connectors: Sankey charts rely on specific shapes and lines to represent the flow of materials or information. It’s important to use symbols and connectors that are clear and consistent throughout the chart, so that the chart is easy to read and understand.
3. Include key data and metrics: To make your Sankey chart useful, it’s important to include key data and metrics such as the volume of materials, the number of people, or the amount of money flowing through the system. You can also include data such as the location or source of the flows, or the time or date of the flows.
4. Highlight bottlenecks and areas for optimization: Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks and areas for optimization. Look for points where the flow of materials or information is slow or uncertain, and consider ways to improve the flow through those points.

Applications of Sankey charts are diverse and far-reaching. For example, a Sankey chart can be used to help a manufacturing company identify the source of their bottlenecks and optimize their production process. It can also be used by non-profit organizations to track and analyze the flow of resources or funding.Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualization and analysis, and are a valuable resource for businesses and organizations looking to optimize their flow processes.

In conclusion, Sankey charting is a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing complex systems with multiple inputs and outputs. By clearly defining your goal, using appropriate symbols and connectors, including key data and metrics, and highlighting bottlenecks and areas for optimization, you can create effective Sankey charts that will help you unlock the power of flow in your organization. With its easy-to-use software and wide range of applications, Sankey charting is a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the flow of materials, resources, or money within their organization.

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.