In today’s increasingly complex digital landscapes, information systems (IS) have become the backbone of many organizations. The seamless flow of data among various components and processes within these systems is vital for efficient operation and decision-making. One powerful tool in visualizing this complex data flow is the Sankey chart. This article aims to explore the concept of Sankey charts, their creation process, and their applications in enhancing the understanding of IS dynamics.

Sankey Charts: An Intuitive Representation of Data Flow

Sankey charts, originally introduced by Edward A. Sanderson in 1896, are a unique and widely used type of flow diagram. They facilitate the visualization of quantities or relationships flowing between entities, making them particularly suitable for demonstrating the flow of information in IS. The name “Sankey” comes from the inventor’s surname and the similarity to chains of interconnected links or keys.

A Sankey chart consists of a series of graduated links connecting triangular nodes. The links represent the quantity or strength of the flow, often depicted by varying thickness. The nodes represent the source, intermediate, and destination components within the IS, with the lengths and directions of the links reflecting the flow quantity. This linear representation greatly simplifies the comparison and comprehension of multiple data streams at once.

Creating a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart involves the following steps:

1. Identify the system components: Clearly define the entities involved – such as databases, servers, departments, or processes – that participate in the data flow.
2. Determine the flow quantities: Quantify the amount of data or information transferred between these components. This could be numbers, percentages, or even qualitative categories.
3. Locate nodes and link sources: Create nodes for each entity, and connect them with arrows to indicate the source of the flow. Be precise with the lengths, as this will reflect the magnitude of the flow.
4. Apply color coding: Assign different colors to links to differentiate between various data streams, making it easier to distinguish between different data flows or categories.
5. Add title and labels: Clearly label the nodes, links, and units of measurement to provide context and prevent confusion.

Sankey Charts in Applications

1. Network Design: IT infrastructure professionals often use Sankey charts to map out the flow of data between servers, storage devices, and other components, aiding in network design and improvement.
2. Supply Chain Management: They are useful in visualizing material or goods flow in a supply chain, highlighting bottlenecks and areas for optimization.
3. Data Migration: In data migration projects, Sankey charts can visually represent the progress of data moving between systems, enabling stakeholders to track and evaluate the process.
4. Portfolio Analysis: Sankey charts can be utilized in finance to illustrate the allocation of resources within investment portfolios, helping to make informed decisions.
5. User Journey Mapping: In business processes, they can map user interactions with a system, facilitating the assessment of user experience and identifying areas for enhancement.

Conclusion

Sankey charts provide a powerful visual representation of data flow within IS, enabling stakeholders to grasp complex connections and processes at a glance. By understanding the flow of data, organizations can optimize their systems, streamline processes, and make informed decisions based on accurate insights. As data continues to grow in abundance, the role of data flow visualization tools, such as Sankey charts, becomes increasingly crucial in navigating this information landscape.

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.