The Sankey diagram, also known as a Sankey flow diagram, flowchart, or Sankey flow-focused infographic, is a visual representation that illustrates the flow of complex systems or processes. Developed by Japanese management consultant Kichi Sankkey in the 1970s, these diagrams use connected nodes and flowing arrows to depict the relationship between quantities of different types.

The Sankey infographic takes an elegant and intuitive approach to showcasing intricate processes, resource allocation, energy flow, and a plethora of other subjects. The key hallmark of the Sankey flow chart lies in its ability to communicate complex information concisely and effectively.

Sankey Infograph: A Comprehensive Overview

Sankey diagrams illustrate connections of flow between objects, where each arrow’s width represents the amount of flow. The more substantial the flow, the wider the arrow. The primary benefit of the Sankey infographic is the enhanced comprehension of complicated and multi-directional systems. These diagrams are particularly useful for business analysis, supply chain management, energy auditing, and logistics. They also find application in environmental research, resource management, and process optimization.

Sankey Creation: Tools and Techniques

There are various software and online tools available for creating Sankey diagrams. Among the readily available tools, Tableau Public, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and BGI Sankey Tools are some of the widely used applications.

1. Tableau Public: This data visualization tool allows users to create interactive Sankey flowcharts from large datasets. It integrates seamlessly with various data sources and provides a range of customization options, making it a favorite for both beginners and experienced users.

2. Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets: Both offer basic functionalities for designing Sankey diagrams, albeit more rudimentary compared to tableau. These services are ideal for creating simple flows and starting points for more complex designs. Excel even has a built-in Sankey tool (Insert >> SmartArt), although users will need to manipulate the design for their specific needs.

3. BGI Sankey Tools: This software provides a highly customizable environment with a multitude of shapes for arrows and nodes. While it has a steeper learning curve than more user-friendly spreadsheet programs, BGI’s advanced features cater to a wide range of applications.

Creating a Sankey diagram involves the following steps:

• Data Collection: Gather all the data corresponding to the processes or flows you wish to represent.
• Data Preparation: Organize the data by identifying the sources and sinks (zero flow nodes), and then determining the flows between different nodes.
• Node and Arrow Placement: Design the layout of nodes and arrows. Proper arrangement assures a balanced and readable diagram.
• Color Scheme Selection: Use colors thoughtfully to highlight important nodes or flows.
• Review and Refinement: Inspect the diagram and ensure it effectively conveys the intended data points without overwhelming spectators with clutter.

Applications of the Sankey Flow Chart

1. Resource Allocation: Sankey diagrams are useful to illustrate the allocation of resources, such as budget distribution or project staffing, by showing flows from source to sink through intermediate nodes.

2. Energy Auditing: In the energy sector, Sankey diagrams are vital tools for tracing energy flows and understanding the composition of final energy consumptions across different sectors.

3. Supply Chain Management: They visualize the flow of goods, materials, and information through the whole supply chain, identifying gaps and bottlenecks.

4. Eco-Design: Designers and researchers use Sankey charts to track environmental impact flows, waste, or emissions, to enhance environmental sustainability in product design.

5. Biological and Ecological Processes: In ecology, these diagrams depict the flow of nutrients, energy transfers, or data flows within ecosystems.

The beauty of the Sankey flow chart lies in its simplicity of design and depth of information. Its elegance resides in the way intricate data is captured in the flowing arrow design and easily digested by its viewers.

In the digital age, the versatile application of Sankey diagrams extends beyond traditional print media. They now frequently serve as a component of websites, business intelligence dashboards, and even smart home applications, reinforcing their multifaceted value.

In conclusion, the Sankey diagram is a powerful tool for representing complex systems in an accessible and insightful manner. It allows us to visualize complex relationships, identify redundancies or inefficiencies, and communicate ideas clearly and compellingly to a broad audience. Whether used to plan business strategies, manage resources, or understand intricate processes, the Sankey flow-focused infographic is an asset to any project that requires clear visualization of complex data. With the advent of sophisticated design tools, we can create these elegant infographics that transcend the bounds of jargon and present comprehensive information in a simple, attractive, and insightful package.

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.