Unleashing Flow: Navigating Data with Sankey Charts

Data is an essential part of any organization, and the ability to effectively navigate and visualize that data is critical to making informed decisions. Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing data flow and revealing insights that might otherwise be missed.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that uses directed arrows to represent the flow of data between different streams or data sources. The chart is named after the Irish physicist and mathematician William Sankey, who developed the technique in the late 1800s.

The chart is designed to show the direction and magnitude of the flow of data, as well as highlighting any bottlenecks or areas where data may be collected or lost. Sankey charts are particularly useful for identifying trends and patterns in data, and for understanding the overall efficiency of data flow within an organization.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart is relatively straightforward, using specialized software such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or online tools like Sankey.org. Here is an overview of the steps involved:

Identify the data: The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to gather the data that will be used to create the chart. This may include data on incoming and outgoing data, as well as data on any processing or transformations that occur.
Determine the source and destination: Determine where the data will come from and where it will go. Identify the start and end points of each data stream.
Choose the chart type: Choose the type of Sankey chart you want to create, such as a material flow chart, a flow and stock inventory chart, or a value stream map.
Create the chart: Once the data and chart type have been defined, create the chart by adding directed arrows to represent the flow of data. Each arrow should indicate the name of the data source or destination, as well as the direction and magnitude of the flow.
Analyze the chart: Once the chart has been created, analyze the data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. Look for bottlenecks or areas where data may be lost or collected, and consider ways to optimize the flow of data.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used to visualize a wide range of data flow, including data related to business operations, supply chain management, and finance. Here are a few examples of how Sankey charts can be used:

Business operations: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of data within a business, such as the movement of materials or information between departments. This can help identify bottlenecks, areas for improvement, and the overall efficiency of business operations.
Supply chain management: Sankey charts are particularly useful in supply chain management, where they can be used to visualize the flow of goods or services between suppliers and customers. This can help identify areas where delays or bottlenecks may occur, and provide insights into improving the efficiency of the supply chain.
Finance: Sankey charts can also be used to visualize the flow of financial data, such as the movement of cash between accounts or the flow of investment capital. This can help identify areas where the organization may be overspending or underperforming, and provide insights into optimizing financial operations.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing and understanding data flow within organizations. By using these charts, organizations can identify areas for improvement, optimize data flow, and make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. Whether you are a business manager, supply chain professional, or financial analyst, Sankey charts can help you gain a deeper understanding of your organization\’s data flow and unlock its full potential.

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.