Sankey charts are versatile visualizations that allow you to easily understand complex data flows and workflows. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of creating an engaging sankey chart, as well as its applications in different fields and industries.
The Basics of a Sankey Chart
A sankey chart is a type of diagram that is used to represent the flow of data between different entities or processes. It’s characterized by a rectangular grid with one axis representing the source or “entry” point and the other axis representing the destination or “exit” point. Each sector of the grid is then populated with its respective data value, creating a visual representation of how data flows through a system or process.
Sankey charts can be used to represent a wide range of data flows, including resource allocation, flow of information, supply chain analysis, and more. They are often used as part of project management or process improvement strategies, as they can help executives and decision-makers identify bottlenecks, identify gaps in processes, and improve overall efficiency.
Creating a Sankey Chart
The process of creating a sankey chart is relatively straightforward, but requires a bit of thought and preparation to ensure that the data is presented in the most effective way possible. Here are some steps to follow to help you create an engaging sankey chart:
1. Gather the data: The first step in creating a sankey chart is to gather the relevant data. This typically includes information about the various components of a system or process, such as the source and destination points, the data flow rates, and any other relevant details.
2. Organize the data: Once you have your data, you’ll need to organize it in a way that makes sense for your sankey chart. You can arrange the data in a rectangular grid, or create a pie chart with circles that represent different components of your system or process.
3. Import the data: Once your data is organized, you’ll need to import it into a drawing program or software. There are many tools available that make creating sankey charts easy, including Tableau, Sisense, and Microsoft Visio.
4. Create the sankey diagram: Once you have your data and graphics in place, it’s time to create the sankey diagram. This involves using the software program you’ve chosen to add the lines and fill in the data. The software program will also likely allow you to customize the appearance of your sankey diagram, including different colors and line styles.
5. Review and refine: As you create your sankey diagram, it’s important to review the data in the diagram to ensure that it accurately represents the flow of information or resources. You may need to refine the layout or make additional adjustments to ensure that the diagram is clear and effective.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are widely used in different fields, including finance, industry, and business management. Here are some examples of how sankey charts are used in these areas:
1. Resource allocation: In finance and business management, sankey charts are used to analyze the allocation of resources between different departments or projects. The diagram is often used to identify where resources are currently being used, and to identify potential waste or inefficient use of resources.
2. Supply chain analysis: Sankey charts are also commonly used in supply chain analysis to visualize the flow of goods from supplier to customer. This helps managers identify potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the supply chain, and to plan for future improvements.
3. Process improvement: Sankey charts can also be used in process improvement to visualize the various processes involved in a project or business. The diagram can help identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the process, and can be used to plan for the future to improve the overall efficiency of the system.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are powerful tools for understanding complex data flows and workflows. By following these basic steps, you can create engaging sankey charts that help decision-makers visualize and understand the systems or processes in front of them. Whether you’re working in finance, business management, or another field, sankey charts can help you identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and improve overall efficiency.

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