Sankey charts are a popular data visualization tool that help to show the flow of a process, identify bottlenecks, and optimize processes. They are particularly useful in showing the movement of materials, products, or ideas between different actors in a system. In this article, we will provide an in-depth guide on how to create Sankey charts, as well as the various applications of this visualization tool.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Sankey Charts
2. Creating Sankey Charts
3. Common Uses of Sankey Charts
4. Tips and Best Practices
5. Conclusion

6. FAQs

7. Overview of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts were originally developed by a man named Charles Sankey in the early 1900s. They are called “Sankey charts” because his name was included in the name of the chart. Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that uses directed arrows to represent the flow of materials, products, or ideas between different actors in a system. The chart is named after Charles Sankey because he was one of the first people to use it to visualize the flow of materials in a system.

2. Creating Sankey Charts

Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps. The following are the basic components of a Sankey chart:

• Data source: This is the input data that you want to visualize using a Sankey chart. This can include data on the flow of materials, products, or ideas between different actors in a system.
• Flow nodes: Flow nodes represent the different actors or processes in the system. Each flow node is represented as a circle with a label and a value.
• Arrows: Arrows represent the flow of materials, products, or ideas between different flow nodes. Arrows can be directed to show the direction of the flow, and they can be weighted to show the magnitude of the flow.
• Optional: other components include shape, color, and line width.

3. Common Uses of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are widely used in various industries to visualize the flow of materials, products, or ideas between different actors in a system. Some common applications of Sankey charts include:

• Supply chain management: Sankey charts are often used to visualize the flow of materials, products, or information through a supply chain. This can help identify bottlenecks and optimize the flow of materials.
• Financial analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of money or investments between different accounts or regions. This can help identify areas where money is being wasted or opportunities for optimization.
• Environmental monitoring: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of pollutants or hazardous materials through a system. This can help identify sources of pollution and develop strategies to reduce pollution.

4. Tips and Best Practices

When creating a Sankey chart, it is important to consider the following tips and best practices:

• Use clear and concise labels for the flow nodes and arrows.
• Use a consistent color and line width for all flow nodes and arrows.
• Use shapes and colors to differentiate between different types of flow nodes.
• Use labels and annotations to explain key concepts and trends in the chart.

5. Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that can help to show the flow of a process, identify bottlenecks, and optimize processes. They are especially useful in showing the movement of materials, products, or ideas between different actors in a system. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this guide, you can create effective Sankey charts that help to improve process efficiency and optimize outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Sankey chart?
  A

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