A Sankey chart is a type of diagram that shows the flow of resources or information between two or more entities. In this article, we will provide a Swift guide to creating and interpreting Sankey diagrams, giving a comprehensive overview of the process, tools, and applications.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a flow diagram that can be used to represent complex, multi-stage processes like supply chain, supply, or logistics. It is a useful tool for visualizing the flow of resources between different entities, allowing for easy comprehension of the information’s path and direction.
Creating a Swift Sankey Diagram
Step 1: Define the Entities
Before creating a Sankey diagram, you need to define the entities or segments that convey the flow of resources.
Example: Supply chain, where different processes are represented by nodes and resources are interconnected by links.
Step 2: Map the Flow
Next, you map the flow of resources between the defined entities. For example, each link on the chart represents a specific transfer of resources. Let us assume that the flow of materials into A equals the material leaving B.
Step 3: Specify the Node Sizes
The size of each node represents the intensity of the flow. In Sankey diagrams, the node size often indicates the quantity of resource or activity passing through it. You can specify the sizes using values such as “scale” or “value”.
Step 4: Add Shaping and Customization
You can add shapes and customize elements within your chart to better represent your design and information needs. Sankey’s library offers functionalities to customize shapes and links.
Step 5: Display and Share
Display your Sankey diagrams using the appropriate platforms. Sankey charts are excellent for online sharing, and it can be accessed from any device and location.
Example Application
Example: Supply chain management software may use Sankey charts for tracking product flow. To understand how much material is coming into node A and how much is leaving node B, the managers can visualize the Sankey diagram for detailed data analysis.
Interpreting a Swift Sankey Diagram
Step 1: Identify the Flow
Check each flow line to understand the direction of the movement of resources and see how changes in the diagram can influence the rest of the process.
Step 2: Track Changes
Monitoring the changes in the direction and intensity of flow can help detect problems or inefficiencies in your process.
Step 3: Evaluate the Directionality
Evaluate the direction of the nodes and links for clarity. Incorrect visualization or analysis of flow can lead to inaccurate information.
Step 4: Use Comparative Analysis
Sankey diagrams can be used to compare various aspects of the flow, such as the amount of resources entering or leaving nodes or the average throughput across different linkages.
Conclusion
A Sankey chart can be a powerful tool for analyzing complex processes’ flow. With this Swift guide, users can learn how to create and interpret Sankey diagrams to streamline business flow for better decision-making and efficiency. It’s important to consider the scale, directionality, and size of nodes and links to provide a clear and understandable visual representation.
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