Sankey charts are a powerful and visually appealing way to visualize data flow and understand the relationships between different entities. They are particularly useful for identifying opportunities and making strategic decisions. In this article, we will explore how to create Sankey charts and the various applications of this type of charts.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that displays the flow of data or materials between different entities. Each entity is represented by a pin on the chart, and the arrows between the pins represent the flow of data or materials. The length of the arrow represents the magnitude of the flow, and the color, shape, or size of the pin can be used to differentiate between different entities.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart is relatively straightforward. The following is a general guide to creating a Sankey chart in Microsoft Excel:

1. Open Microsoft Excel and create a new worksheet.
2. Enter the data that you want to visualize in the first column of the worksheet. This will serve as the source points for the Sankey chart.
3. In the second column, create a new series for each entity in your data.
4. Add a Sankey chart to the worksheet by going to the Insert tab and selecting the Sankey chart option.
5. Customize the chart as desired by adjusting the colors, shapes, or sizes of the pin and the arrows.

Applications of Sankey Charts

There are many applications of Sankey charts, including:

1. Visibility into Data Flow: Sankey charts provide a clear overview of the flow of data or materials between different entities, making it easier to identify bottlenecks or opportunities for improvement.
2. Strategic Decision Making: Sankey charts can be used to identify key drivers of performance and make strategic decisions based on these insights. For example, a company may use a Sankey chart to understand the flow of materials between different departments and identify ways to improve efficiency.
3. Performance Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze performance and identify areas for improvement. For example, a company may use a Sankey chart to understand the flow of customer data between different departments and identify ways to improve the customer experience.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful and visually appealing way to visualize data flow and understand the relationships between different entities. They can be used in a variety of applications, including performance analysis, strategic decision making, and visibility into data flow. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a Sankey chart in Microsoft Excel and unleash the power of visual data analysis.

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