Sankey charts, also known as flowcharts, are a type of diagram that are used to represent the flow of materials, information, or energy between different elements of a system. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processes, and understanding the sustainability of a system. In this article, we will explore how to create and use Sankey charts to streamline your processes.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that use directed arrows to represent the flow of materials, information, or energy between different elements of a system. They are named after the Irish chemist and Nobel Prize winner, Carl Sankey, who developed the first published Sankey chart in 1923.

The chart consists of two main components: a set of input nodes and a set of output nodes. The flowchart connects the input nodes to the output nodes using directed arrows that represent the flow of materials or energy between them. The chart can also include additional elements such as pumps, filters, and storage tanks, which can be used to modify or control the flow of materials.

One of the main advantages of using Sankey charts is that they allow you to easily identify and visualize the flow of materials, information, or energy in a system. This can be particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, waste, or other inefficiencies in the system. You can use the chart to explore different scenarios and evaluate the impact of different changes or improvements on the overall flow of the system.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

There are several software programs and online tools that you can use to create Sankey charts. Some of the most popular include Microsoft Excel, Lucidchart, and SmartDraw. Here is a general overview of the steps you can follow to create a Sankey chart in Excel:

1. Open a new Excel workbook and select the “Insert” tab from the ribbon at the top of the screen.
2. Click on the “Sankey” chart icon in the chart group. This will insert a new chart into your document.
3. Drag the chart to the desired location on the spreadsheet, and resize it as needed.
4. Customize the chart appearance by selecting different options from the “Sankey Chart” drop-down style pane.
5. Enter the inputs and outputs for the chart, using the input and output boxes in the chart.
6. Customize the arrows by selecting the arrow head and tail options from the “Arrows” drop-down style pane.
7. Add any additional elements to the chart, such as pumps, filters, or storage tanks, by using the appropriate shapes from the drawing toolbar.
8. Format the chart by applying different styles and formatting options to the chart elements.

Applications of Sankey Charts

There are many different applications for Sankey charts, including process optimization, resource management, and sustainability analysis. Some specific examples include:

• Process optimization: Sankey charts can be used to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in a process, and to explore different scenarios to improve the overall flow of the system.
• Resource management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources within an organization, and to identify areas where resources may be overused or underused.
• Sustainability analysis: Sankey charts can be used to understand the flow of materials, energy, or information within a system, and to evaluate the sustainability of the system.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for streamlining processes, optimizing resources, and understanding the flow of materials, energy, or information in a system. By using these charts to visualize and analyze the flow of materials, you can identify and address bottlenecks, waste, and other inefficiencies, and improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of your system.

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