Sankey Charts: A Comprehensive Guide to Deciphering Flow and Load Distribution in Processes
In an ever-evolving digital age, data and information are more critical than ever. With the plethora of data that organizations collect and utilize, it becomes essential to identify patterns, areas of improvement, and bottlenecks within processes. This is where Sankey diagrams, otherwise known as Sankey charts, enter the scene. These unique visualizations offer a clear and meaningful representation of flow and load distribution in various processes. Let’s delve into a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing Sankey charts.
## What are Sankey Charts?
Sankey diagrams are flow diagrams in which the quantity of the flow is represented by the width of the arrows. Initially developed in the early 19th century, these charts have come a long way, and their application spans across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, energy, transportation, and environmental studies.
The main feature that sets Sankey charts apart from traditional flow diagrams is that the thickness of the arrows is proportional to the quantity of the flow. This means that you can immediately observe which parts of a process consume more resources and which areas have a higher throughput.
## Structure of Sankey Charts
To create a Sankey chart, you need to know a few components.
### Nodes and Arrows
– Nodes: Represent the starting and ending points of a flow, often referred to as the input and output of a process.
– Arrows: Indicate the movement of flow between nodes and vary in width based on the quantity of the flow.
### Interconnections and Branches
– Interconnections: Link nodes and branches together to describe the relationship between different elements of the process.
– Branches: Vertical or horizontal arrows stemming from nodes that represent the movement of a particular kind of material, energy, or information through various steps of a process.
### Directional Flow and Loss or Waste
– directional flow: Follows the path of the process or system.
– Loss or Waste: Represents any energy, material, or information that is lost, unused, or discarded during the process.
## How to Create a Sankey Chart
### Data Collection
Before you start creating a Sankey chart, it’s crucial to gather relevant data. Quantify the input, process, and output of your system or process accurately to ensure the correctness of your diagram.
### Decide on What to Measure
Identify the specific aspects of your flow you want to depict — whether it’s raw materials, energy, or information.
### Draw the Nodes
Create nodes to depict where the materials, energy, or information enter and leave at each stage of the process.
### Connect Nodes with Arrows
Connect the nodes with arrows, representing the flow’s path — each arrow’s thickness is directly proportional to the amount of material, energy, or information flowing through it.
### Label Nodes and Arrows
Provide clear labels to help others understand the components and the relationships they have with one another.
### Validate the Diagram
Ensure that every arrow starts at a node and ends at a node and that the flow of data is unbroken.
## Practical Uses of Sankey Charts
1. **Energy Flow**: Visualize how energy is being used or wasted in different sections of a factory or power plant.
2. **Materials Flow**: Understand how different materials are processed, transformed, and discarded in a manufacturing process.
3. **Environmental Impact**: Estimate CO2 emissions in a process or a complex system over time.
4. **Financial Flows**: Represent incoming and outgoing transactions in an organization.
5. **Network Performance**: Monitor and optimize data flow in a IT network or cloud infrastructure.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow and distribution of resources in a process. They offer an intuitive way to understand complex systems and identify areas for improvement. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to create and interpret Sankey diagrams that provide valuable insights for your organization or project.
