Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are used to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information between different systems, organizations, or individuals. They are particularly useful for visualizing complex systems and identifying areas for improvement. In this guide, we will introduce you to Sankey chart creation and discuss some of the many applications for these useful charts.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart, also known as a Sankey diagram or Sankey flowchart, is a type of flowchart that is used to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information between different systems, organizations, or individuals. These charts are named after Rudolph Sankey, who developed them in the early 1900s.

The chart consists of a set of nodes, represented as circles, and a set of directed lines or arcs, called pipes, connecting the nodes. The pipes represent the flow of materials, energy, or information between the nodes. The direction of the pipes indicates the direction of the flow.

Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing complex systems and identifying areas for improvement. For example, a Sankey chart can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a supply chain, highlighting potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies. Alternatively, a Sankey chart can be used to visualize the flow of information through an organization, highlighting areas where information may be lost or miscommunicated.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart is relatively straightforward, and there are a variety of tools available that can help you create a chart.

To create a Sankey chart, you will need to gather the following information:

• The nodes: The nodes in a Sankey chart represent the systems, organizations, or individuals that are involved in the flow of materials, energy, or information.
• The flows: The flows in a Sankey chart represent the movement of materials, energy, or information between the nodes.
• The directions: The directions of the pipes indicate the direction of the flow.

Once you have gathered this information, you can use a Sankey chart creation tool to create your chart. Some popular tools for creating Sankey charts include Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and SmartDraw.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in a wide range of applications. Some common applications of Sankey charts include:

• Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a supply chain, highlighting potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
• Environmental management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or pollutants through an ecosystem, allowing you to identify areas for improvement.
• Business process analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information or resources through a business process, allowing you to identify areas for improvement.
• Financial analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of funds or investments through a financial system, allowing you to identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing and understanding complex systems. They are particularly useful for visualizing the flow of materials, energy, or information between different systems, organizations, or individuals. With the right information, you can use a Sankey chart to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimize your system. There are many tools available for creating Sankey charts, making it easy to get started with this valuable visualization technique.

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.