Sankey charts are a visualization tool that can help you understand complex networks or supply chain data in a new and insightful way. They are particularly useful for finance, logistics, and transportation industries, as well as for supply chain managers who have to manage the flow of resources for their company.
Sankey charts work by depicting the direction and magnitude of a flow of information or resources from its source to its destinations. Each element in the chart is represented by a line, or “channel,” that signifies the direction of the flow. The width of the channel indicates how much flow exists in the channel, while the shape of the channel represents the kind of flow. For example, a vertical line might indicate a source of information or a channel connecting two sources, while a triangle-shaped channel could represent a triangle of information or a channel connecting three sources.
Sankey charts are especially useful for visualizing the flow of information or resources between different entities or stakeholders. By breaking the flow down into clear, unambiguous lines and shapes, Sankey charts allow users to see the direction and volume of the flow, as well as any anomalies or bottlenecks that might indicate inefficiencies or obstructions.
One of the most important things to note about creating and using Sankey charts is that they should be based on real data. Just like any other kind of visualization, they require proper data preparation, cleaning, and normalization in order to be effective. This might involve sorting data by date, calculating percentages, or aggregating data to make it usable in the chart.
Once the data is ready, there are a couple of ways to create a Sankey chart. One option is to use specialized software or programming languages, such as Python or R, to create the chart from scratch. Alternatively, you can use online tools that provide a platform to create and customize the chart.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a great tool for visualizing complex financial and supply chain networks. By using clear and unambiguous representations of flow, Sankey charts allow you to spot bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and provide a powerful way to understand and analyze the movement of resources in your company or industry.
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.