Data flows are a common concept in business intelligence, and they can be visualized using a Sankey chart. A Sankey chart is a type of diagrammatic flowchart that presents the relationships between different entities and how they flow through each other. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey charts and their use cases, as well as how to create a Sankey chart using Microsoft Excel.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of diagrammatic flowchart that presents the relationships between different entities and how they flow through each other. It is commonly used to present data flows between different elements, such as business processes, computer systems, or individuals. In a Sankey chart, entities are represented as nodes, and the links between them are represented as lines. Each node represents a different entity, and the number of connections that flow between these nodes can be used to represent the flow of information or data.
Types of Sankey Charts
There are several types of Sankey charts, including:
- Linear: A linear Sankey chart is a simple representation of the flow of information or data. It is commonly used to represent the relationships between different entities without any restrictions or limitations.
- Categorical: A categorical Sankey chart is a type of Sankey chart that represents the flow of information or data using categories. It is commonly used to represent the flow of information or data between different events or activities without any restrictions or limitations.
- Weighted: A weighted Sankey chart is a type of Sankey chart that represents the flow of information or data with weights attached to each link. It is commonly used to represent the relative importance of the flow of information or data between different entities.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are commonly used in business intelligence to visualize data flows between different entities. They are also used in other fields such as engineering, economics, and public relations to visualize the relationships between different entities. Sankey charts can be used to visualize the relationships between different systems or processes, or to visualize the relationships between different events or activities.
Creating a Sankey Chart in Microsoft Excel
To create a Sankey chart in Microsoft Excel, follow these steps:
- Open a new worksheet in Excel and select the “Insert” tab.
- Select “Sankey Diagram” from the dropdown menu and click “Insert.”
- A new Sankey chart will be presented in the worksheet.
However, Microsoft’s Sankey Chart wizard is not always accurate, so you might need to manually adjust the nodes and links to ensure that the Sankey chart properly represents the data flows. You can use a tool like VBA, or enter the data manually using a formula, to make the Sankey chart more accurate.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the relationships between different entities and how they flow through each other. Creating Sankey charts using Microsoft Excel is relatively straightforward, and with a little practice, you can master the technique. With the right information and a little creativity, you can create accurate and informative Sankey charts that effectively communicate the relationships between different entities and activities.
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