Sankey charts are a powerful visual tool that can help you to better understand and optimize the flow and efficiency of your systems. They are particularly useful when you want to visualize the flow of materials, information, or resources between different parts of your system, as well as identify areas where improvements can be made.

What is a Sankey Chart?

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that use arrows (or “Sankey arrows”) to represent the flow of materials or resources between different nodes in the chart. Each node represents a specific element or process, such as a factory, a supplier, or a customer. The arrows indicate the direction and magnitude of the flow between these nodes, with the length of the arrows reflecting the amount or rate of flow.

Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of materials or resources between different parts of a system, as well as identify opportunities for improvement and waste. They are particularly useful when you need to visualize complex systems or processes, and can be easily modified or customized to suit your needs.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart is relatively simple, and there are several tools available that can help you to create and customize your own charts. Some of the most popular tools for creating Sankey charts include:

1. Microsoft Visio: Visio is a powerful business productivity tool that includes a wide range of templates and shapes for creating Sankey charts. You can also customize your charts by adding your own symbols and text, or by using templates from Visio’s library.
2. Lucidchart: Lucidchart is a web-based diagramming tool that includes a wide range of shapes and templates for creating Sankey charts. It also allows you to customize your charts by adding your own text and symbols, or by using templates from Lucidchart’s library.
3. SmartDraw: SmartDraw is a web-based diagramming and collaboration tool that includes a wide range of templates and shapes for creating Sankey charts. It also allows you to customize your charts by adding your own text and symbols, or by using templates from SmartDraw’s library.
4. Gliffy: Gliffy is a web-based cloud-based visual collaboration platform that helps teams to create, share and collaborate on visual documents, Sankey charts, flowcharts, Gantt charts and project plans diagrams.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in a wide range of applications, including:

1. Production and supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of materials or resources between different parts of a production or supply chain, and identify opportunities for improvement and waste.
2. Business process analysis: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of tasks or actions between different steps in a business process, and identify areas where improvements can be made.
3. Environmental management: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of materials or resources between different parts of an environmental system, and identify areas where waste or pollution can be reduced.
4. Financial management: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of funds or resources between different parts of a financial system, and identify opportunities for improvement or waste.
5. Social justice and Equity: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of resources, power or opportunities between different groups in society, and identify opportunities for improvement or fairness.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful visual tool that can help you to better understand and optimize the flow and efficiency of your systems. They are particularly useful when you want to visualize the flow of materials, information, or resources between different parts of your system, as well as identify areas where improvements can be made. With a wide range of tools available for creating and customizing your own Sankey charts, you can use them in a wide range of applications to optimize your systems.

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.