Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that provide a clear and concise way to show the flow of data between different nodes in a system. They are often used in process mapping, data flow analysis, and other areas of engineering and design.
To create a Sankey chart, you need to define the nodes in your system and the relationships between them. The chart is then filled in with arrows that represent the flow of data, with the direction and amount of flow given by the slope of the arrows.
One of the main advantages of Sankey charts is that they allow you to easily see the overall flow of data in your system, as well as the individual flows between specific nodes. This can be a valuable tool for identifying bottlenecks, understanding resource usage, and improving the overall efficiency of your system.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating and interpreting Sankey charts, including best practices for effective data visualization.
Step 1: Define the Nodes and Relationships
The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to define the nodes in your system and the relationships between them. Nodes in a Sankey chart represent actual entities within your system, such as people, processes, or components. Relationships between nodes represent the actual flow of data or other resources between these entities.
To determine the nodes and relationships in your system, begin by identifying all the important entities that make up your system. This may include people, departments, processes, or other parts of your organization. For each entity, determine the key functions or activities that it performs, and the inputs and outputs that it generates or receives.
Next, consider the relationships between these nodes. Identify the actual flow of data or other resources between these nodes, and document these relationships in a clear and concise way. For example, a department may receive data from multiple sources and generate output in the form of reports or proposals.
Step 2: Define the Relationships
Once you have identified the nodes and relationships in your system, the next step is to define the relationships in more detail. This may include specifying the type and frequency of flow between nodes, as well as any constraints or limitations on the flow.
For example, if you are mapping the flow of customer orders between different departments within a retail organization, you may define a relationship between the customer service department and the inventory department as “one-to-many,” indicating that the customer service department receives a large number of orders from a smaller number of customer inquiries. You may also define a relationship between the inventory department and the shipping department as “many-to-one,” indicating that the inventory department generates a large number of orders for shipping.
Step 3: Create the Sankey Chart
With the nodes and relationships defined, it’s time to create the Sankey chart itself. There are several tools available that can be used to create Sankey charts, including Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and Gliffy.
To create a Sankey chart, start by adding the nodes to the chart, using the tool’s drawing tools to create circles for each node and labels to indicate the node name. Then, add the relationships between the nodes by drawing arrows between the circles. Use the drawing tool to specify the direction and slope of the arrows, and adjust the arrow shapes or colors as needed to make the chart more visually appealing.
Step 4: Interpret the Sankey Chart
Once the Sankey chart is created, it’s time to interpret it. One of the key things to look at is the overall flow of data or other resources in the system. This can be seen by examining the size and shape of the chart’s overall shape, as well as the number and direction of the arrows.
You should also look at specific flow paths within the chart to get a better understanding of the data flow within your system. For example, you may want to examine the flow of customer orders between different departments, to see where the flow is strong and where it is weak.
Sankey charts are a valuable data visualization tool that can be used to gain insights into the flow of data within your system. With the tips and best practices outlined in this article, you should be able to create and interpret Sankey charts effectively, and use them to identify potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement in your system.
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