Streamlining Your Data Journey with Sankey Charts: A Visual Guide

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding the flow of data in a given system. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processes, and improving decision-making. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating sankey charts and show you how they can be applied to various data journeys.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are used to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information between different nodes in a system. They are named after graph theorist Louis Sankey, who first introduced the concept in the 1920s.

Sankey charts can be used to represent a wide range of data journeys, including supply chain management, financial transactions, and communication networks. They allow you to easily identify the source and destination of data, as well as the steps involved in the flow process.

Creating Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are created using specialized software such as Visio, Lucidchart, or Draw.io. These tools provide a range of templates and shapes to make it easy to create the chart.

To create a sankey chart, follow these steps:

1. Start by opening the charting software and selecting the “Sankey chart” template.
2. Add the nodes to the chart, representing the points in the data journey where data flows in or out.
3. Connect the nodes using arrows to show the direction of the flow, and label each node with the type of data that flows in or out.
4. Use the charting software’s tools to adjust the flow and ensure that the chart is accurate and easy to understand.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a valuable tool for data analysis and decision-making in a variety of industries. Some of their key applications include:

1. Supply Chain Management: Sankey charts are particularly useful for managing complex supply chains. They allow you to easily identify bottlenecks and process inefficiencies, and optimize the flow of goods and services.
2. Financial Transactions: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of funds between different accounts, making it easy to identify potential fraud or errors.
3. Communication Networks: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of communication between different teams, departments, or locations. This can help identify bottlenecks and improve collaboration.
4. Environmental Sustainability: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources, including energy, water, and waste, in a given system. This can help identify areas for improvement and reduce waste.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding the flow of data in a given system. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processes, and improving decision-making. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create and apply sankey charts to your own data journeys. Whether you are managing a supply chain, working in finance, or working to improve sustainability, sankey charts are a valuable tool for understanding data flow in your system.

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