Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can be used to represent and understand complex systems and processes. They are particularly useful for revealing the flow of materials, energy, or information throughout a system and identifying opportunities for optimization and improvement. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about creating Sankey charts, including the features and benefits of using this type of visualization, as well as best practices for incorporating them into your processes and collaborating with others.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts were first introduced by the Dutch Engineer H.C. Sankey in the late 19th century. They are a type of flowchart that is specifically designed to show the direction and rates of flow of materials, energy, or information through a system. Unlike traditional flowcharts, which are typically used to represent a system’s inputs, outputs, and processes, Sankey charts focus on showing the flow of materials or information between different nodes or “ports” within the system. This can be particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or opportunities for improvement in the system.

How to Create Sankey Charts

Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps, but the process is relatively straightforward. Here is an overview of the steps involved in creating a Sankey chart:

1. Identify the inputs, outputs, and processes within the system
2. Determine the flow of materials or information between the nodes or “ports” within the system
3. Choose your visualization tool, such as Lucidchart, Visio, orSmartDraw, and create a new Sankey chart using the appropriate templates or pre-built templates
4. Configure the chart by adding, removing, or changing the nodes or “ports” and adjusting the flow lines to accurately represent the flow of materials or information
5. Customize the chart as needed by adding shapes, text, or other visuals to further enhance the chart’s clarity and understanding.

Best Practices for Using Sankey Charts

Once you have created a Sankey chart, there are several best practices you can follow to ensure that it is effective and useful:

1. Use clear, descriptive labels and titles for each node or “port” in the chart to help stakeholders understand the flow of materials or information through the system.
2. Color-coding the chart can help to differentiate between different types of materials or information and to highlight areas of the chart that are more important or significant.
3. Use annotations or notes to provide additional context or explanation for complex or dynamic processes.
4. Incorporate feedback mechanisms or collaboration tools, such as discussion threads or live polls, to facilitate feedback and collaboration among stakeholders throughout the process.
5. Regularly review and update the Sankey chart as needed to ensure that it accurately reflects the current state of the system and provides a useful tool for process improvement and decision-making.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can be used to streamline processes and enhance collaboration in a variety of industries and sectors. By understanding the flow of materials, energy, or information through a system and identifying opportunities for optimization and improvement, organizations can make better-informed decisions and take concrete steps towards improving their processes and operations.

SankeyMaster

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