Sankey charts are a powerful data transformation visualization tool that helps you understand the flow of data between different entities. They are particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processes, and comparing data across different dimensions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to create Sankey charts and their applications in various industries.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that highlights the direction and amount of data flow between different nodes (entities) on a graph. Each node represents a data source or sink, and each directed arrow (link) represents a unit of data flow. The chart can be used to visualize both positive and negative data flows, as well as to show multiple sets of data side by side.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart requires a few steps. First, you need to gather your data and outline the entities involved. Each entity should have a unique identifier and a name. Next, create a spreadsheet with two columns: one for the source (data flow starting point) and one for the sink (data flow ending point). The spreadsheet should include the following columns:
- Source ID
- Source Name
- Destination ID
- Destination Name
- Flow
Once you have your data structured, you can import it into a visualization tool such as Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, or Google Data Studio. Select the “Sankey chart” visualization type and configure the chart settings to suit your needs.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be applied in a wide range of industries to help businesses better understand their data and make informed decisions. Here are some examples of industries and use cases:
- Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management involves tracking the movement of goods from raw materials production to final consumption. A Sankey chart can help identify which steps in the production process are the most resource-intensive or the most expensive. For example, a Sankey chart could be used to visualize the flow of materials from suppliers to manufacturers, highlighting potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the supply chain.
- Customer Service
Sankey charts can be used to analyze customer service data, such as call volume or support tickets by category. A Sankey chart can help identify which categories of support tickets are the most common and which channels (phone, email, chat) are the most frequently used. This information can be used to prioritize customer service resources and improve the efficiency of support ticket resolution.
- Marketing Analytics
Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of customers through a marketing funnel, from awareness to engagement to conversion. By analyzing the flow of customers through the funnel, businesses can identify areas where they can improve marketing strategies. For example, a Sankey chart can be used to compare the conversion rates of different marketing channels, such as email campaigns or social media ads.
- Environmental Sustainability
Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources, such as energy or water, between different entities in an ecosystem or production process. By analyzing the flow of resources, businesses can identify areas where they can reduce waste or optimize energy efficiency. For example, a Sankey chart could be used to visualize the flow of water between different stages of a production process, highlighting potential leaks or inefficiencies.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful data transformation visualization tool that can be applied in a wide range of industries. They provide a visual representation of data flow, making it easier to identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and compare data across different dimensions. With the right data and visualization tool, businesses can gain valuable insights into their operations and make informed decisions to improve efficiency and sustainability.
SankeyMaster
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