Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that is used to represent the flow of materials, goods, or services between different entities. These charts are particularly useful in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management. In this article, we will discuss the basics of Sankey charts, as well as some of the advanced features that you can use to create more sophisticated charts.
What are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that is used to represent the flow of materials, goods, or services between different entities. The underlying principle of a Sankey chart is the flow of materials, where a flow starts at one point and ends at another point. The chart is composed of a set of nodes and directed edges, where the nodes represent the entities, and the edges represent the flow of materials between those entities.
The chart consists of a set of curves, called Sankeys, which connect the nodes and represent the flow of materials between them. The Sankey chart can show the flow of materials between multiple entities, as well as provide insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of the flow.
Basics of Sankey Charts
Now that we have discussed what Sankey charts are, let’s take a closer look at the basics of Sankey charts.
1. Nodes: Nodes are the entities that are represented in the chart, such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, or customers. Each node has a label that describes the entity.
2. Edges: Edges are the directed lines that connect nodes, and represent the flow of materials between them. The edges have a weight or capacity, which determines the amount of materials that flow between two nodes.
3. Sankeys: Sankeys are the curves that connect nodes, and represent the flow of materials between them. The Sankeys are used to visualize the flow of materials from one node to another.
Advanced Features of Sankey Charts
While the basics of Sankey charts are straightforward, there are many advanced features that you can use to create more sophisticated charts. Some of these features include:
1. Customization: The chart can be customized to show the desired information, such as the flow of materials or the time period.
2. Data visualization: The chart can be enhanced with data visualization techniques, such as adding charts or graphs to visualize the data.
3. Multiple layers: The chart can be represented on multiple layers, with each layer showing a different flow of materials.
4. Conditional flow: The chart can show the flow of materials based on certain conditions, such as the availability of resources or the location of the nodes.
5. Collaboration: The chart can be shared with other stakeholders, such as suppliers, manufacturers, or customers, to facilitate collaboration and decision-making.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the basics and advanced features of Sankey charts. Sankey charts are a useful tool for industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management, as they offer a visual representation of the flow of materials between different entities. With the advanced features available in Sankey charts, you can create sophisticated charts that provide insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of the flow of materials.
