Sankey charts are a powerful visual tool for understanding and analyzing the flow of materials, information, or people in a system. These charts use arrows and connecting lines to represent the directions and interactions between different elements, allowing users to easily see the relationships between different parts of a system. In this article, we will explore the basics of creating Sankey charts, as well as some of the many ways in which these charts can be used to gain insights into complex systems.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that uses arrows and connecting lines to show the movement of materials, information, or people between different nodes or elements in a system. The chart is named after the Dutch chemist Jan de Keyser Sankey, who first described the chart in his 1931 paper “A New Type of Thermodynamic Equilibrium Diagram.”

Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing the flow of materials or information through a system. This can include everything from the movement of goods or services through a supply chain, to the flow of ideas or information through an organization. By using arrows and connecting lines to represent the flow of materials or information, Sankey charts allow users to easily see the connections between different parts of a system and understand how they relate to each other.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Sankey chart creation is relatively straightforward, and can be done using a variety of tools and software. Some of the most popular tools for creating Sankey charts include:

• Visio: A popular charting and diagramming software from Microsoft, Visio includes a range ofSankey chart templates that can be used to create visualizations quickly and easily.
• Smartsheet: Smartsheet is a powerful spreadsheet-like project management tool that includes a range of charting and visualization tools, including Sankey charts.
• Lucidchart: Lucidchart is a web-based diagramming and collaboration tool that includes a range of templates and shapes, includingSankey charts.
• Gliffy: Gliffy is a cloud-based enterprise architecture and diagramming tool that includes a range of Sankey chart templates.
• Draw.io: Draw.io is a free, open-source diagramming and vector graphics editor that includes a range of Sankey chart templates.

To create a Sankey chart, simply choose a tool that suits your needs and follow the steps below:

1. Open a new document in your chosen tool and choose a Sankey chart template or create a new chart from scratch.
2. Add the nodes or elements that you want to include in your chart. These can include materials, information, or people.
3. Use the arrow and connecting line tools to show the flow of materials or information between the nodes or elements.
4. Customize the chart as needed by adding additional details, formatting, or changing the colors and styles of the chart.
5. Save and export your chart as a PNG, JPEG, or PDF file.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts can be used in a wide range of applications, including:

1. Supply chain management: Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing the flow of materials or information through a supply chain, allowing managers to see where materials are in the process and identify potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement.
2. Process modeling: Sankey charts can be used to model and visualize a wide range of processes, from manufacturing to service delivery. This can help teams better understand and optimize their workflows.
3. Financial analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of funds or investments through a system, allowing analysts to see where money is going and identify areas for potential savings.
4. Organizational structure: Sankey charts can be used to create visual models of an organization’s structure, allowing managers to see how information and resources flow

SankeyMaster

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