Streamlining Your Data with Sankey Charts: A Visual Guide

Data visualization is a powerful tool for understanding complex systems and identifying trends and patterns. Sankey charts, also known as directional flow charts, are a type of visualization that can effectively communicate the flow of data between different entities or stages.

In this guide, we will walk through the basics of creating Sankey charts, as well as some practical applications for using this powerful visualization technique.

Sankey Chart Basics

There are two types of Sankey charts: simple and advanced. Simple Sankey charts are made up of a single source and several sinks, while advanced charts can have multiple sources, multiple sinks, and loops.

To create a Sankey chart, you will need to specify the following information:

• The names of the sources, sinks, and any loops in the chart
• The amounts or values of the data flowing between the sources and sinks
• The orientation of the chart (clockwise or counterclockwise)

Once you have completed this information, you can use a variety of software tools to create your Sankey chart. Some popular options include:

• Microsoft Excel
• Google Sheets
• Lucidchart
• SmartDraw
• Visio

Using Sankey Charts for Data Analysis

Sankey charts are especially useful for analyzing data that involves directional flows, such as money flowing from one account to another or the movement of materials in a supply chain. By visualizing the flow of data, you can quickly identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.

Here are some examples of how Sankey charts can be used for data analysis:

• Identifying trends in customer spending: A Sankey chart can help you see how customers are spending their money across different categories, such as clothing, electronics, and travel. This can reveal trends and patterns that can inform marketing and sales strategies.
• Tracking the flow of materials in a supply chain: A Sankey chart can show you how materials move through the supply chain, from suppliers to manufacturers to retailers. This can help you identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and inform decisions about inventory management and production planning.
• Understanding the impact of policy changes: A Sankey chart can show you how different policy changes are affecting the flow of data, such as the movement of people between countries or the flow of funds from illegal sources. This can help policymakers and law enforcement officials identify areas for reform and enforcement.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding complex data flows. By specifying the sources, sinks, and flows in the chart, you can create a clear and concise visual representation of your data, making it easier to identify trends and patterns.

With the right software tools, creating a Sankey chart is quick and easy. From tracking customer spending to understanding the flow of materials in a supply chain, Sankey charts can be used for a wide variety of data analysis tasks.

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.