Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are used to visualize the flow of materials, energy, and information. They are particularly useful for showing the causal relationships between different entities, such as the inputs, processes, and outputs of a system. Sankey charts are named after Harry G. Sankey, who developed the chart in the early 20th century.

One of the unique features of Sankey charts is that they allow you to easily see the causal relationships between different entities. This is achieved by using arrows that represent the flows of materials, energy, or information, and by assigning labels to the arrows that indicate the direction and magnitude of the flow. By examining the arrows on a Sankey chart, you can easily see which entities are the primary sources or destinations of a particular flow, and which entities are the intermediates.

In addition to their ability to visualize causal relationships, Sankey charts are also useful for understanding the efficiency of a system, or the potential for optimizing it. By examining the flows on a Sankey chart, you can identify areas where material, energy, or information may be lost or wasted, and where opportunities exist for improving the efficiency of the system.

To create a Sankey chart, you can use any software that supports flowcharting, such as Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or Gliffy. There are also several online tools that allow you to create Sankey charts, such as Coggle or Draw.io.

Once you have created your Sankey chart, you can use it to communicate insights to others. For example, you can share the chart with stakeholders to help them understand the workings of a system, or to identify areas where improvements can be made. You can also use Sankey charts in presentations or reports to help convey complex ideas in a clear and visually appealing way.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing flow and causation, and for understanding the efficiency of a system. They are widely used in fields such as engineering, operations management, and environmental science, and are a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve the performance of a system. To get started creating your own Sankey charts, simply follow the steps outlined in this article, and discover the hidden insights that this powerful visualization tool can reveal.

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.