The Sankey chart is a powerful visualization tool for analyzing complex network data. Unlike bar charts or line charts, which can only show relationships between numerical data, Sankey charts can also show the flow of data, making them ideal for analyzing and comparing complex systems. In this article, we will explore the power of Sankey charts, including how to create them and when to use them, and provide some examples to help you get started.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of network diagram that shows the flow of data or elements between different nodes or points. Each node is associated with a label or symbol, and the path or line connecting two nodes represents the direction and amount of flow from one node to another. The two key elements of a Sankey chart are the nodes and the lines, often referred to as the ‘flow lines’.
The nodes represent the entities or objects of interest, such as individuals, organizations, products, or processes. The lines represent the flow from one node to another, and can be either straight (horizontal) or curved (vertical). The width or thickness of the line indicates the amount of flow, while the color can be used to differentiate or highlight the flow.
Sankey charts are commonly used in various fields, including sociology, marketing, finance, project management, engineering, and many others. They are especially useful for analyzing complex networks, such as supply chains, supply loops, or resource allocation systems, to understand the flow of information, resources, or goods and how they are distributed and used.
When to Use a Sankey Chart
The best time to use a Sankey chart is when you have a complex network of relationships that needs to be analyzed. Sankey charts are particularly useful when you want to show the flow of data between different nodes or the direction and flow of a complex system. Here are some scenarios where you might consider using a Sankey chart:
1. Analyzing supply chains and supply loops: Use a Sankey chart to analyze the flow of materials, labor, and information between different suppliers, customers, and manufacturers to understand the supply chains and supply loops.
2. Project management: Use a Sankey chart to analyze the flow of tasks, resources, and dependencies between tasks and resources in a project management system to optimize the project’s performance and timeline.
3. Customer journey: Use a Sankey chart to analyze the flow of customers between different touchpoints, such as sales reps, customer service representatives, and website users, to optimize the customer experience.
4. Resource allocation: Use a Sankey chart to analyze the flow of resources between different departments or locations, and how they are distributed and used to optimize resource allocation.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is relatively easy and can be done using software such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Google Sheets, or other visualization tools. The following steps will guide you through the process of creating a Sankey chart:
1. Collect the data: Collect the data that you want to display on your Sankey chart. This could be numerical data, text data, or anything else that fits within the limitations of the software you are using.
2. Organize the data: Organize the data into groups or categories that will correspond to the nodes and flow lines in your Sankey chart.
3. Draw the lines: Use the lines on your Sankey chart to show the flow of data. The width or thickness of the line can signify the amount of flow, and the color can be used to differentiate or highlight the flow.
4. Draw the nodes: Use the nodes on your Sankey chart to represent the entities or objects of interest. The style and color of the nodes can be used to indicate the importance or significance of the node.
5. Customize the chart: Customize the chart by adding labels, annotations, or other elements to make it more informative and user-friendly.
Examples of Sankey Charts
Here are some examples of Sankey charts to give you an idea of what they can look like and how they can be used:
1. Supply Chain Flow: Here’s a Sankey chart that shows the flow of materials, labor, and information between different suppliers, customers, and manufacturers.
2. Customer Journey: Here’s a Sankey chart that shows the flow of customers between sales reps, customer service representatives, and website users.
3. Resource Allocation: Here’s a Sankey chart that shows the flow of resources between different departments or locations, and how they are distributed and used to optimize resource allocation.
By using a Sankey chart, you can easily analyze and visualize complex systems and networks to gain insights and identify patterns. With the right software and some basic knowledge of data visualization, you can create informative and engaging Sankey charts that can help you make data-driven decisions.

SankeyMaster

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