Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that helps you visually represent and analyze the flow of materials, energy, and information in a process. They are useful for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency. In this article, we will explore the basics of creating Sankey charts and how they can be applied to different fields.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that uses directed lines to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information between different nodes. The chart is named after its inventor, Dr. George Sankey, who first used it to analyze the flow of materials in chemical reactions. Sankey charts are useful for visualizing complex systems and identifying opportunities for improvement.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is straightforward. You can use a variety of software tools, such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or specialized flowcharting software, to create your chart. The basic steps to creating a Sankey chart are as follows:
- Define the nodes: The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to define the nodes. Nodes represent the different inputs, outputs, or processes in your system. You should list each node in the center of the chart and give it a label.
- Add directed lines: Next, you need to add directed lines between the nodes to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information. The lines should be directed from inputs to outputs or from processes to products.
- Assign flow values: To calculate the flow values for each directed line, you need to assign a value to each node. The flow value represents the amount of material, energy, or information that flows from one node to another. You can use a constant value or a variable that adjusts based on factors such as input or output.
- Customize the chart: Once your chart is complete, you can customize it to make it easier to read and understand. You can add labels, format the chart, and use color to highlight important nodes or flows.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing complex systems. They can be used in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, logistics, environmental science, and finance. Some of the common applications of Sankey charts include:
- Process improvement: Sankey charts can be used to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in a process. By visualizing the flow of materials, energy, or information, you can see where there are delays or redundancies that can be eliminated.
- Resource allocation: Sankey charts can be used to allocate resources efficiently. By visualizing the flow of materials, energy, or information, you can see where resources are being underused or overused and adjust your allocation accordingly.
- Carbon footprint analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of greenhouse gases in a system. By linking the inputs of a process to its outputs, you can see how much carbon is being emitted and where it is coming from.
- Financial analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of money or other financial resources in a system. By linking the inputs of a financial process to its outputs, you can see where resources are being underused or overused and adjust your spending accordingly.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a valuable tool for visualizing and analyzing the flow of materials, energy, or information in a process. They can be used in a wide range of fields and can help identify areas for improvement, allocate resources efficiently, and analyze environmental or financial impacts. With the right software tools, creating a Sankey chart is a straightforward process.
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.
