Streamlining Your Process: The Ultimate Guide to Creating and Using Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a powerful visual tool for showing the flow of materials, energy, or information through a process or system. They are widely used in fields such as engineering, economics, and ecology to analyze and optimize the efficiency of systems. In this guide, we will explore the basics of creating and using Sankey charts, as well as some tips and tricks for getting the most out of this useful visualization technique.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that uses arrows to show the direction and magnitude of the flow of materials, energy, or information. It is named after the Dutch engineer Gerardus Johannes van der Meer, who developed the method in the 1920s. Sankey charts are particularly useful for showing the flow of materials through industrial processes or transportation systems, as well as the transfer of information between different parts of a system.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

There are several software programs available that can help you create Sankey charts. Some popular options include Processon, SmartDraw, and Lucidchart. Here is a general overview of the steps involved in creating a Sankey chart using Processon:

1. Open Processon and click on the “Sankey chart” icon in the flowchart library.
2. Choose the type of Sankey chart you want to create, such as “Material flow” or “Energy flow.”
3. Add nodes to your chart by specifying the start and end points for each flow. You can also add external nodes, such as sources or sinks, to represent the inputs and outputs of the process.
4. Connect nodes using arrows to show the direction and magnitude of the flow. You can adjust the orientation and length of the arrows to fit the needs of your chart.
5. Customize the appearance of your chart by adding titles, labels, and other elements as desired.
6. Save and export your Sankey chart in a variety of formats, including PDF, PNG, and SVG.

Using a Sankey Chart

Once you have created a Sankey chart, you can use it to gain insights into the efficiency of your system. Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of Sankey charts:

1. Use labels and titles to clarify the meaning of each flow. This will help viewers understand the overall purpose of the chart and the relationships between different parts of the system.
2. Include external nodes to show the inputs and outputs of the process. This can help to give a broader context for the flow of materials or information.
3. Use color coding to highlight important flows or patterns in the chart. This can help to make the chart easier to interpret and identify key trends.
4. Use annotations to provide additional information or context for specific parts of the chart. This can help to explain complex flows or to highlight important details.
5. Use the “Data view” function to view detailed information about each flow, such as the volume or frequency of the flow. This can help to gain deeper insights into the efficiency of the system.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a useful visualization tool for showing the flow of materials, energy, or information through a process or system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create and use Sankey charts to gain insights into the efficiency of your own systems. From understanding the inputs and outputs of a process to identifying potential areas for improvement, Sankey charts can help you streamline your processes and make better decisions.

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.