Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are particularly well-suited for visualizing and analyzing the flow of materials, energy, or information through a process or system. They were originally developed in the early 20th century by English engineer Cyril Northcote Parkinson as a way to study the efficiency of complex systems.

One of the unique features of Sankey charts is their ability to show the relative directions of flow and the relative costs or volumes associated with those flows. This makes them particularly useful for identifying opportunities for process improvement and for understanding the overall effectiveness of a system.

To create a Sankey chart, you can use a variety of software tools such as Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or SmartDraw. These tools typically provide an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to create and customize the chart to your specific needs.

One of the key applications of Sankey charts is in the field of process improvement. By visualizing the flow of materials or information through a process, you can easily identify opportunities for waste or inefficiencies. For example, you might see that a large portion of the flow is going to a particular step that is causing delays or unnecessary waste. By identifying this problem, you can take steps to streamline the process and improve its overall effectiveness.

Sankey charts can also be used to analyze the overall effectiveness of a system. For example, you might use a Sankey chart to visualize the flow of energy through a building or to understand the impact of different waste streams on the environment. By analyzing the chart, you can gain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the system and identify opportunities for improvement.

Overall, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing the flow of materials, energy, or information through a process or system. By using Sankey charts, you can gain a better understanding of your processes and identify opportunities for improvement, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness.

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.