Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization technique that are used to show the flow of items, documents, or data between different categories or locations. They are named after the British engineer and statistician Frank Sankey, who first introduced the technique in the early 1900s.
Sankey charts are particularly helpful for visualizing complex data flows, such as those in supply chains or business processes, where it can be difficult to understand the relationships between different entities. They can also be used to show the relative importance of different sources or destinations for a particular item or piece of data.
Creating a Sankey chart requires only a few steps:
- Define the categories or locations to be visualized and the data that will be used to create the chart. For example, you might be visualizing the flow of products between different stages of a manufacturing process.
- Choose a software tool or online visualization service that supports Sankey chart creation. There are many options available, such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and several specialized data visualization tools, such as SankeyMaps and SankeyFlow.
- Import or enter the data into the visualization tool. This may involve creating a Sankey diagram or network that represents the relationships between the different categories or locations.
- Customize the chart as desired, such as adding labels, changing the colors or styles, or adjusting the size or layout of the chart.
Sankey charts can be very effective for visualizing complex data flows, as they clearly show the relationships between different entities and the direction and magnitude of the flow. They are also easily adjusted and customized to suit the needs of different data sets and applications.
One example of a Sankey chart application is in supply chain management. Companies can use Sankey charts to visualize the flow of goods between different suppliers, manufacturers, and distribution centers. This can help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the supply chain, and can also be used to optimize production and distribution processes.
In addition to supply chain management, Sankey charts are also used in other fields, such as finance, marketing, and healthcare, to visualize data flows and identify opportunities for improvement.
Overall, Sankey charts are a powerful visualization technique that can be used to effectively communicate complex data flows and promote better decision-making. By unlocking the power of Sankey charts, you can gain a deeper understanding of your data and make more informed decisions based on that understanding.
SankeyMaster
SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.