Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that is commonly used to visualize and analyze processes. They are especially useful for showing the movement of materials, information, or energy between different nodes (also known as “elements” or “processes”) in a system.
One of the key strengths of Sankey charts is their ability to show the relative proportions of different elements in a process. This can help identify opportunities for optimizing workflows and improving efficiency. For example, if a process involves multiple steps that each take a significant amount of time, you might want to investigate whether there are any ways to streamline the process and improve its overall efficiency.
To create a Sankey chart, you will need to follow a few basic steps:
- Identify the different nodes in your process. These can include processes, materials, people, or other elements.
- Assign a flow rate to each node, indicating the amount of material, information, or energy that moves between them.
- Draw a flowchart that connects the nodes and shows the direction and magnitude of the flow rates.
- Use different shading or color schemes to highlight the relative proportions of different elements in the process.
There are several software applications that can be used to create Sankey charts, including Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and SmartDraw. These tools typically provide a range of customization options, such as the ability to add custom shapes, symbols, and labels. You can also use online Sankey chart generators, such as Sankey.io, to create and export charts directly from your web browser.
In summary, Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding and optimizing workflows. By showing the relative proportions of different elements in a process, they can help identify opportunities for improving efficiency and identifying areas for process improvement. Whether you are a manager looking to streamline a business process or an analyst studying a complex system, Sankey charts are a valuable resource for improving process analysis and optimization.
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.
