In this article, we will discuss the basics of Sankey chart creation, as well as various applications of this visual tool in streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
What is a Sankey Chart?
Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are used to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information through a system. They were originally developed by Helmut Sankey in the 1930s, and have since become a popular tool for analyzing and visualizing complex systems.
Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement in a process. They allow you to easily see where materials, energy, or information are being consumed or wasted, and can help you identify areas for optimization.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
To create a Sankey chart, you will need a few things:
- A flow diagram: A flow diagram is a visual representation of how materials, energy, or information move through a process. It can be created using a flowcharting tool, such as Microsoft Visio or Lucidchart, or by drawing the diagram by hand.
- A list of the flow diagram’s main elements: Each element in the flow diagram should be listed in a separate box. The boxes should be labeled to indicate the type of element (e.g. “Source,” “Sink,” or “Transformation”) and should be positioned on the diagram to reflect the flow of materials, energy, or information through the system.
- A flow diagram ruler: A flow diagram ruler is a tool that is used to ensure that the flow diagram is drawn to scale. It should be positioned at the bottom of the diagram and used to draw straight lines between adjacent boxes to indicate the flow of materials, energy, or information.
Once you have these things, you can create your Sankey chart by following these steps:
- Place the flow diagram ruler at the bottom of the diagram and use it to draw straight lines between adjacent boxes to indicate the flow of materials, energy, or information.
- Label each box with the type of element (e.g. “Source,” “Sink,” or “Transformation”) and the amount of materials, energy, or information that flows through the system.
- Use arrows to indicate the direction of the flow of materials, energy, or information through the system.
- Adjust the diagram as needed to ensure that it accurately represents the flow of materials, energy, or information through the system.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a useful tool for streamlining processes and improving efficiency by allowing you to easily see where materials, energy, or information are being consumed or wasted. They can be used in a wide range of industries and applications, including:
- Manufacturing: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing process, highlighting any bottlenecks or areas for optimization.
- Energy: Sankey charts can be used to represent the flow of energy through a system, including the sources and sinks of energy, as well as any energy transformations.
- Supply Chain: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of goods and services through a supply chain, highlighting any bottlenecks or areas for improvement.
- Information: Sankey charts can be used to represent the flow of information through a system, including the sources, sinks, and transformations of information.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a useful visual tool for streamlining processes and improving efficiency by allowing you to easily see where materials, energy, or information are being consumed or wasted. They can be used in a wide range of industries and applications, and can help you identify areas for improvement in anything from manufacturing processes to energy systems to supply chains. So, it is important to understand how to create a Sankey chart and the different applications.
It is also important to note that Sankey charts are just one of the many types of flowcharts that are available, and there are many other kinds of flowcharts that can be used for different purposes. So, it is always advisable to choose the most appropriate tool for the specific process or application.
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.
