Sankey chart is a powerful visualization tool that enables users to understand hierarchical data flow. In this article, we’ll guide you through the creation and application of a Sankey chart, with a focus on how to effectively use it to solve real-world problems.
What Is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart breaks down hierarchical data flow into different sections, represented using line segments called links. Each link connects a source term to a target term, and the length of the link represents the amount of that flow that passes through it.
For example, consider a project management system that breaks down tasks into different stages: planning, execution, and reporting. A Sankey chart could be used to show how projects are moving through these stages:
Planning |
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Execution | Reporting
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In this chart, the source terms are the planning stages, and the target terms are the reporting stages. The blue and green segments represent the flows, with the longer blue segments displaying the total amount of planning that was executed and the shorter green segments displaying the total amount of reporting that was executed.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is relatively simple once you’ve collected the data that you want to display. You can use Microsoft Excel, QGIS, or other data visualization tools to create the chart. Here’s a quick guide to help you create your first Sankey chart:
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Gather your data: In this example, we’ll use planning stages and reporting stages as our example data. These data sets can be collected from various sources and formats, such as spreadsheets or databases.
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Create the diagram: In Microsoft Excel, for example, you can use the “Insert” tab to add lines to your chart. Drag a line from the planning stage to the execution stage, then another line from the execution stage to the reporting stage. Each line represents a flow of data between two terms.
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Customize the chart: Once you’ve created your chart, you can customize it to improve its readability and effectiveness. You can control the line thickness and color to create a more visually appealing display. You can also add labels to each line and use markers to separate different data flows.
How to Use Sankey Charts in Real-Life Applications
Sankey charts can be used in a variety of applications, from project management to resource allocation to supply chain management. Here are a few use cases where a Sankey chart can be particularly useful:
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Project management: Sankey charts can be used to evaluate the progress of a project by comparing the planned stages to the actual stages. This can help you identify any potential bottlenecks or delays in the project.
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Resource allocation: Sankey charts can be used to allocate resources efficiently by analyzing the flow of information between different sources and targets. This can help you optimize how resources are used to maximize the output.
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Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of materials between different suppliers and distributors. This can help you identify any potential bottlenecks or delays in the supply chain and optimize how resources are used to reduce costs and improve delivery times.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for understanding hierarchical data flow. By using them to visualize the flow of information between different sources and targets, you can quickly analyze complex data sets and identify areas where improvements can be made. Whether you’re a project manager in need of a project management tool or a supply chain manager looking to improve efficiency, a Sankey chart is a valuable addition to your analytical arsenal.
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