Unleashing the Power of Sankey Charts: Visualizing Complex Systems
Sankey charts are a powerful and versatile data visualization tool that can be used to represent complex systems in a clear and intuitive way. By using a Sankey chart, you can easily see how different components of a system interact with each other and gain a deeper understanding of the flow of materials, energy, or information. In this article, we will explore the creation of Sankey charts and some of the many applications they can be used for.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a flowchart that is used to visualize the flow of materials, energy, or information through a system. It was originally developed by Dutch engineer Charles Sankey in the early 20th century as a way to analyze the flow of goods in international trade. Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing complex systems where multiple streams or flows enter and exit the system, such as a manufacturing process or a supply chain.
The Sankey chart consists of a central box representing the system, and arrows branching out from the central box to represent the different streams or flows entering and leaving the system. Each arrow is labeled with the flow volume or energy input as it enters the system, and the flow volume or energy output as it leaves the system. By tracking the flow volume or energy input and output, the chart provides a clear and concise view of the flow of materials, energy, or information through the system.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is a straightforward process that can be done using a variety of software tools. Some popular applications for creating Sankey charts include Microsoft Excel, Lucidchart, and Google Sheets.
To create a Sankey chart in Microsoft Excel, for example, follow these steps:
- Enter the data for each stream or flow into a separate table. The table should include columns for the flow volume input and flow volume output.
- Create a second table to represent the system. This table should also include columns for the flow volume input and flow volume output, but it should not include any arrows.
- Copy the data from the input table and paste it into the first column of the system table.
- Copy the data from the output table and paste it into the second column of the system table.
- Use the Excel Sankey tool to create the chart from the data in the system table.
There are also several online Sankey chart generators that can be used to create charts without the need for software. These tools are often simple to use and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts have a wide range of applications, including manufacturing, supply chain management, environmental management, and financial analysis. Some examples of the many applications of Sankey charts include:
- Manufacturing Processes: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing process, highlighting areas where material flow can be improved or optimized.
- Supply Chain Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials and information through a supply chain, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
- Environmental Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials and pollutants through an industrial or urban system, helping to identify areas for reduction and improvement in sustainability.
- Financial Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of funds or investments through a financial portfolio, highlighting areas where investment can be optimized or improved.
Overall, Sankey charts are a valuable tool for visualizing complex systems and gaining insights into the flow of materials, energy, or information. By using Sankey charts, you can gain a deeper understanding of your systems and identify areas for improvement and optimization. Whether you are working in manufacturing, supply chain management, environmental management, or financial analysis, Sankey charts can help you see your systems in a new and powerful way.
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.
