Sankey charts are a visual representation of information flows that can be used in business analysis and planning. They are a tool that can help organizations understand their operations, identify bottlenecks, and optimize systems. In this article, we will discuss how to create effective sankey charts using spreadsheets and other tools such as Tableau.
Creating an Effective Sankey Chart
A sankey chart is a type of network diagram that displays the flow of resources, information, or people between different entities. The chart is made up of nodes that represent the entities, and lines connecting them represent the flow of resources. The chart can be used to illustrate the flow of resources, such as materials, labor, cash flow, or information flow.
There are several steps involved in creating an effective sankey chart. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
Step 1: Define the Entities
The first step is to identify the entities that you want to represent in your sankey chart. These could be individuals, departments, teams, or workflows. Once you have identified the entities, create the nodes for each entity. Each node should be labeled with the name of the entity.
Step 2: Connect the Nodes
The second step is to connect the nodes using lines. You can use a variety of lines, including arrows, to represent the flow of resources. You can also use lines of different colors to differentiate between different flows.
Step 3: Add Labels and Metrics
The third step is to add labels and metrics for each node and line. Label the nodes to provide context for the information being conveyed. Metrics can be used to quantify the flow of resources between nodes.
Step 4: Identify Key Elements
The fourth step is to identify the key elements that are flowing through the chart. These could be the primary flows, the bottleneck flows, or the flows that contribute the most to the overall flow.
Applying Sankey Charts in Business Analysis and Planning
Sankey charts can be applied in business analysis and planning in several ways. Here’s a brief overview:
1. Analyzing Operations: Sankey charts can be used to analyze operations and identify bottlenecks. If there are bottlenecks in a network, that could indicate an issue with materials, labor, or cash flow.
2. Forecasting: Sankey charts can be used to forecast future flows of resources. This can help organizations understand how changes in one aspect of the system may affect other aspects.
3. Optimization: Sankey charts can be used to optimize workflows and systems. If there is a bottleneck in a flow, it can be optimized by identifying the cause of the bottleneck and finding a more efficient path.
4. Decision Making: Sankey charts can be used to support decision-making. By visualizing the flow of resources, decision-makers can make more informed decisions that impact the overall system.
Creating Effective Sankey Charts with Spreadsheets Using Tableau
Sankey charts can be created using spreadsheets and Tableau. Here’s how to create an effective sankey chart using both tools:
1. Using Spreadsheet: You can use Excel or Google Sheets to create a sankey chart. Follow the steps outlined above to create the chart, but instead of using Tableau, use the visual formatting options in Excel or Google Sheets, such as color coding and line lengths.
2. Using Tableau: If you are using Tableau, you can design the chart using the visual formatting options in the Tableau dashboard. Select the “Sankey” option in the “Data” tab, and then customize the chart according to your needs.
3. Using Excel or Google Sheets: Once your chart is created, you can format it using Excel or Google Sheets’ design features. Use formatting options such as color coding, line length, line styles, and font sizes to create an effective and visually appealing sankey chart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sankey charts are a powerful tool for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing systems, and making informed decisions. With the right tools and techniques, it is possible to create effective sankey charts using spreadsheets and Tableau. Whether you are looking to analyze operations, forecast future flows of resources, or optimize workflows, sankey charts can help you make more informed decisions based on the flow of information or resources in your system.
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.
