Sankey charts are a type of directed graphical representation that can be used to visualize the flow of data or processes. They are particularly useful for showing the transformation of data as it passes through different stages or operations. In this article, we will explore the creation of Sankey charts and some of the ways they can be used to better understand your data and processes.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of directed graphical representation that is used to visualize the flow of data or processes. It is named after its inventor, Helmut Sankey, a Swiss chemist and graph theorist who first proposed the use of directed graphs to model chemical reactions.
Sankey charts consist of a set of interconnected circles, represented as nodes, and directed lines, represented as arcs, that connect these nodes and are directed according to the flow of data or processes. The size and style of the nodes and arcs can be customized to highlight important information or patterns in the data.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
There are several software programs available that can be used to create Sankey charts, including Microsoft Excel, Visio, and several charting and visualization tools such as Tableau and PowerBI. These programs typically have pre-built templates or formulas that can be used to create Sankey charts with a few simple steps.
To create a Sankey chart in Excel, for example, you can follow these steps:
- Enter your data into a table or spreadsheet.
- Select the data, and then click on the Insert tab in the ribbon.
- In the Chart group, select Sankey chart.
- Choose the template that you want to use, and then customize the chart as desired.
- Preview and edit the chart as needed, and then save and run it.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used in a wide variety of applications to visualize the flow and transformation of data. For example, they can be used to:
- Understand the flow of materials or products through a production process
- Visualize the transformation of data as it moves through different stages or operations
- Explore the relationships between different data sets or variables
- Identify potential bottlenecks or areas of inefficiency in a process
- Analyze trends and patterns in data over time
Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing data that is time-series or batch-based, as they can be used to show how data flows through different stages or operations over time.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow and transformation of data, and can be used in a wide variety of applications to better understand your data and processes. With a few simple steps, you can create a custom Sankey chart to meet the needs of your organization.
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