Sankey Charts: A Visual Guide to Diagramming Complex Data Relationships

Introduction
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data relationships. They are similar to Gantt charts, only that instead of bar charts, they use filled triangles to represent data points. They are useful for visualizing various types of data, such as job assignments, manufacturing processes, and supply chain management. In this article, we will discuss what a sankey chart is, how to create one, and some of its applications. We will also provide examples of sankey charts.

What is a Sankey Chart?
A sankey chart is a type of flowchart or a network diagram, used to visualize data relationships. It is similar to a Gantt chart, but it uses filled triangles instead of rectangular bars. The triangles represent the flows of information, data, or processes, and the edges represent the relationships between them. Sankey diagrams are commonly used in supply chain management, project management, and other related fields to represent data relationships and dependencies.

The process of creating a sankey chart involves the following steps:

  1. Choose the data to be visualized.
  2. Arrange the data in a way that makes sense.
  3. Annotate the data to indicate relationships between them.
  4. Draw the shapes and edges using a template.
  5. Apply colors and visual effects to make the chart more informative.

Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used for various purposes, including:

  1. Representing relationships in supply chain management: A sankey chart can visualize the flow of information, goods, and other resources between different activities, such as manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
  2. Project management: Sankey charts can visually represent the dependencies and relationships between tasks, activities, and stakeholders in project management.
  3. Education: Sankey charts can visualize the flow of information in educational materials, such as textbooks and syllabi.
  4. Marketing: Sankey charts can visualize the flow of information in marketing materials, such as infographics and presentations.
  5. Healthcare: Sankey charts can visualize the flow of information in healthcare settings, such as medical facilities and hospitals.

Sankey Chart Creation
Sankey charts are created using a template that outlines the shapes, edges, and labels for the data. The template can also have color coding or visual effects to differentiate between different types of data.

Once the template is created, it can be customized by placing the data in the appropriate positions, annotating the relationships between them, and applying colors and visual effects to make the chart more informative.

Examples of sankey charts
Here are some examples of sankey charts visualizing complex data relationships:

  1. Example 1: Healthcare
    In this example, a sankey chart visualizes the flow of information in a medical facility, with red triangles representing patients, blue triangles representing doctors, and black arrows representing the flow of information. The labels on the triangles indicate the patient’s name, while the labels on the arrows indicate the name of the doctor who ordered the test or provided care.

  2. Example 2: Education
    In this example, a sankey chart visualizes the relationships between different subjects in an educational setting, with green triangles representing the subject, while the labels on the arrows indicate the teacher who teaches the subject.

  3. Example 3: Supply Chain Management
    In this example, a sankey chart visualizes the flow of information, goods, and resources between different activities in a supply chain, with the shapes representing the activities, the edges representing the relationships between them, and the labels on the arrows indicating the type of activity or the source and destination of information.

In conclusion, sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data relationships. They can be used for various purposes, including supply chain management, project management, and marketing. With the proper data setup and customizations, sankey charts can provide valuable insights and insights into complex data relationships.

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.

SankeyMaster - Unleash the Power of Sankey Diagrams on iOS and macOS.
SankeyMaster is your essential tool for crafting sophisticated Sankey diagrams on both iOS and macOS. Effortlessly input data and create intricate Sankey diagrams that unveil complex data relationships with precision.
SankeyMaster - Unleash the Power of Sankey Diagrams on iOS and macOS.
SankeyMaster is your essential tool for crafting sophisticated Sankey diagrams on both iOS and macOS. Effortlessly input data and create intricate Sankey diagrams that unveil complex data relationships with precision.