Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can help you better understand the flow of energy and resources within your organization or ecosystem. By showing you the relationships and dependencies between different entities, you can gain insights into which parts of your system are most important and how they interact with each other.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to create Sankey charts step-by-step, as well as how to use them to gain valuable insights into your energy and resource flows.

Step 1: Collecting Data

Before you can start creating a Sankey chart, you need to gather the necessary data. This typically involves collecting information about the inputs and outputs of your system, as well as any intermediary steps that take place along the way.

Some common sources of data for Sankey chart creation include:

• Energy production and consumption data, such as electricity, gas, and oil
• Water usage and waste data
• Supply chain data, such as raw material inputs and product outputs
• Financial data, such as revenue and expenses

Once you have your data, it’s time to start formatting and organizing it to prepare it for a Sankey chart.

Step 2: Creating the Chart

Once you have your data organized, you can begin creating your Sankey chart. The first step is to choose a software tool to create your chart, such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or special purpose Sankey charting software like Visio or Tableau.

Next, you’ll need to set up your chart by defining the input and output nodes and connecting them with arrows to show the flow of energy or resources. You can also add additional features, such as labels, shapes, or colors, to make your chart more engaging and informative.

Once your chart is set up, you can then export it as an image or PDF to share with others.

Step 3: Analyzing the Chart

Once your Sankey chart is created, you can begin analyzing it to gain insights into your energy or resource flows. Look for patterns and trends in the data, such as which inputs and outputs are most significant, and how they are interconnected.

You can also use the chart to compare different scenarios or optimize your system by identifying areas that can be improved.

For example, if you’re analyzing energy consumption data, you might notice that a large portion of energy is being used for lighting. You could then consider using more energy-efficient lighting options to reduce waste and improve your environmental impact.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a valuable tool for visualizing energy and resource flows, and can help you gain insights into your system’s strengths and weaknesses. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create and use Sankey charts to gain valuable insights into your organization’s energy and resource flows.

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.