Introduction
Sankey charts are a popular type of visualization used in data analysis to visualize relationships between different components and flows of data. They are an efficient way to represent complex relationships between various components and their interconnections. In this article, we will explore the basics of understanding sankey charts, their creation, and applications.
Understanding Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are used to map and represent complex networks of data flow. They are based on the basic principles of flow diagrams, which show the way flows of information, material, or energy move through different systems or processes. Sankey charts use rectangular boxes to represent the various components and processes with a direction arrow to represent the flow. The length of the arrows represents the flow rate, and the shape of the box can denote the nature of the component or process.
The arrows connecting boxes can help determine the direction of flow and define the flow rate. The width of arrows can show the strength of a relationship, with wider arrows indicating greater strength, whereas narrower arrows are used to represent weaker relationships.
Applications
Sankey charts are suitable for a variety of applications, including project management, logistics, manufacturing, and finance. Below are some of the primary applications of sankey charts:
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Supply Chain Analysis: Sankey charts can help organizations identify the key players and their relationship with supplier, customers, and transporters.
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Manufacturing Process Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to identify bottlenecks in production processes and evaluate the inefficiencies caused.
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Finance and Economics: Sankey charts can depict the credit flow between various financial institutions, identifying significant borrowers and creditors.
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Engineering and Mechanics: Sankey charts can help engineers visualize the flow of information in different processes and identify any potential bottlenecks or problems.
Creation of Sankey Charts
The process of creating a sankey chart involves the following steps:
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Determine the data: Before creating the sankey chart, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the data being analyzed using sankey charts.
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Collect data: Gather the necessary data that will be used to create a sankey chart. The data can be obtained through surveys, interviews, financial transactions, etc.
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Organize the data: Organize the data into groups of related processes and relationships, based on the relationship between the events.
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Draw the diagrams: Once the data is organized, draw the sankey chart. You can use software such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, or Gephi to create sankey charts.
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Customize the chart: Customize the chart by adding labels to each group, adjusting the length and width of the arrows, and using colors to highlight the relationships.
Case Study: Manufacturing Process Analysis
The case study focuses on a logistics firm that distributes products to various customers. The firm uses a sankey chart to identify the bottleneck processes in the supply chain.
The logistics company uses a sankey chart to visualize all the processes involved in a single order of a product. The chart contains a total of 4 components in one process (supplier, transport, customer, and receiver).
According to the sankey chart, the transport process is the bottleneck, as it requires more resources to move the goods to the next customer than any other process. The chart highlights the need to optimize the transport process to reduce costs and enhance efficiency.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are an efficient way to visualize complex relationships between various components and flows of data. They are essential for organizations and businesses seeking to understand their supply chains, manufacturing processes, and complex networks of interactions. Sankey charts make it easier for organizations to assess their resources, allocate resources more efficiently, and improve their overall performance.
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