Sankey diagrams are a powerful tool for visually representing the flow of energy, materials, or money through various processes. They help businesses to understand complex interactions and are particularly beneficial for monitoring efficiency and spotting opportunities to make improvements. In this post, we’ll delve into how to create effective Sankey charts for your business. From selecting the right data to optimizing the chart’s layout, follow these steps to translate your data into an impactful visualization.
**1. Choose Your Data Wisely**
Before creating a Sankey chart, you must determine what data will guide its design. To make your Sankey chart as effective as possible:
– Identify the main processes or flows within your business.
– Gather data on the volume or quantity of materials, energy, or financial resources that pass through each process.
– Ensure the data is accurate and up-to-date to represent the current state of operations.
**2. Opt for the Right Sankey Diagram Tool**
To visualize your flow data, you’ll need a Sankey diagram tool that can handle your data format. Some popular options include:
– Sankey diagram software like yEd Graph Editor or Node-RED.
– JavaScript libraries like sankey.js or d3-sankey.
– Custom-built solutions that can cater to unique needs.
Select a tool that is user-friendly, meets your technical requirements, and provides the customization features you need.
**3. Plot the Processes and Flows**
When creating your Sankey chart:
– Designate each process or step as a branch off the central axis (representing the overall flow).
– Represent each flow with a tube or branch, which should be curved to symbolize the flow’s movement from one process to another.
**4. Scale the Chart According to Your Data**
Scale the width of each tube based on the amount of flow it represents. This often means the width of the input and output flows should be the same, while those within a process can vary. The wider the tube, the more substantial the flow — this will help the viewer immediately grasp the relationships between different flows.
**5. Keep it Visually Consistent**
For readability and comprehension, ensure your Sankey chart is consistent:
– Keep the direction of the flow from input to output throughout the chart.
– Use a consistent color palette to differentiate processes or flows.
– Label the processes and flows clearly.
**6. Handle Data Breakouts and Details**
In some cases, specific data points will be of significant importance. Consider using:
– Breakouts where data exceeds a certain threshold.
– Callout boxes to highlight key statistics.
– Interactivity elements, such as zooming in on certain sections, for deeper exploration.
**7. Review and Iterate**
Once your initial Sankey chart is complete:
– Review it critically, paying attention to the flow balance, labeling, and overall readability.
– Collect feedback from stakeholders or present it as part of a discussion to identify areas for improvement.
– Iterate on the design as needed to make the chart as useful and informative as possible.
**8. Maintain the Chart**
Sankey charts should not be static documents. Keep an eye on changes in your business operations and update the chart regularly to ensure its accuracy and usefulness.
By following these steps, you can create insightful Sankey charts for your business that communicate complex information in a clear and effective manner. This visualization tool can help your business make informed decisions and improve operations by providing a clear picture of the interactions happening within your organization’s processes.
