Sankey charts are a powerful way to visualize the flow of materials, energy, or information between different entities or operations. With their unique ability to represent the direction of flow, Sankey charts can help you identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and make informed decisions. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and some of the ways in which they can be applied to process visualization.

What are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts, also known as materials balance charts, flowcharts, or energy balance charts, are a type of network diagram that represent the flow of materials or energy between different entities or operations. Unlike traditional flowcharts, which show the movement of materials through a series of nodes or boxes, Sankey charts use solid arrows to indicate the flow of materials or energy. The arrows are directed from the source to the sink, indicating the direction of the flow.

Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing complex systems, such as production lines, supply chains, or energy grids. They can help you identify areas where materials or energy are wasted, optimize processes, and make informed decisions about resource allocation.

How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is a process that involves several steps, including data preparation, chart design, and visualization. Here are the general steps involved in creating a Sankey chart:

1. Prepare the data: The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to gather the necessary data. This may include information about the different entities or operations involved in the flow of materials or energy, their locations, and the directions of the flows.
2. Identify the source and sink: The source is the entity or operation that inputs materials or energy, while the sink is the entity or operation that outputs materials or energy. Identifying the source and sink is critical in creating a Sankey chart that accurately represents the flow of materials or energy.
3. Determine the type of chart: There are several types of Sankey charts, including materials balance charts, energy balance charts, and water balance charts. The type of chart you choose will depend on the specific needs of your system.
4. Create the chart: Once you have prepared the data and identified the source and sink, you can create the Sankey chart using a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, or a specialized Sankey charting tool such as Process Flowchart.
5. Visualize the chart: After the chart has been created, you can visualize it in a variety of ways, such as in a spreadsheet, a document, or in a specialized Sankey charting tool.

Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for process visualization and can be applied to a wide range of industries and fields. Here are some examples of how Sankey charts can be used:

1. Manufacturing: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing process, highlighting areas where materials may be wasted or where production lines may need to be optimized.
2. Supply Chain: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or energy through a supply chain, helping companies to identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
3. Energy: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of energy through an energy grid, helping utilities to identify areas where energy may be wasted or where energy efficiency measures may need to be implemented.
4. Environmental: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or energy through an environmental system, helping policymakers to identify areas where resources may be wasted or where conservation measures may need to be implemented.
5. Healthcare: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or services through a healthcare system, helping administrators to identify areas where resources may be wasted or where process improvements may be needed.

Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for process visualization that can be applied to a wide range of industries and fields. With their unique ability to represent the direction of flow, Sankey charts can help you identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and make informed decisions about resource allocation. Whether you are a manufacturer, a supply chain professional, an energy

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.