Sankey charts, also known as flowcharts or directed acyclic graphs, are a powerful visualization tool for showing the flow of data and the transformation of values between different stages or containers. They are particularly useful for showing the relationships between different elements of a complex system and the flow of data between them. In this article, we will explore how to create Sankey charts and the different applications of this visualization technique.

Creating Sankey Charts in Excel

Sankey charts can be created in Excel using the Sankey chart add-in. This add-in is available as a separate download or can be purchased as part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite. To create a Sankey chart in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Open a new or existing Excel workbook.
2. Click on the Data tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen.
3. Select the chart type you want to use, such as a Sankey chart.
4. In the chart area, select the data range that contains the flow of data you want to visualize.
5. Choose the Sankey chart add-in from the chart type drop-down menu.
6. Configure the chart settings to suit your needs.
7. Click on the chart to add it to the spreadsheet.

Once the chart is added, you can adjust the settings to customize the appearance and add elements such as labels and titles.

Applications of Sankey Chart

Sankey charts have a wealth of applications in fields such as data analysis, operations research, and supply chain management. Here are some examples:

1. Analyzing the flow of goods or services through a supply chain: Sankey charts can be used to show the movement of goods or services between different stages of the supply chain, and highlight bottlenecks or areas where improvement can be made.
2. Tracking the flow of social media engagement: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of engagement across different social media platforms or specific content.
3. Understanding the flow of ideas in a brainstorming session: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of ideas from one person to another, and help identify patterns or areas of concentration.
4. Identifying the most effective routes in a transportation network: Sankey charts can be used to show the routes taken by goods or people, and assist in identifying the most efficient way to move them.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a highly flexible and powerful visualization tool for showing the flow of data in complex systems. They are easy to create in Excel and have a wide range of applications across various fields. With their ability to show the flow of data and the transformation of values between different stages, Sankey charts provide a valuable insights into the workings of any system.

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