Streamlining Success: The Power of Sankey’s Flow Visuals Unveiled

In a world where efficient data representation is crucial to making informed decisions, the Sankey diagram, named after English engineer and inventor Henry Darcy, has stood the test of time. A tool of both simplicity and sophistication, Sankey diagrams have become a go-to visual for depicting the flow of energy, materials, costs, or anything with an associated quantity through a process in an easily digestible manner. This article delves into the secrets of Sankey chart creation and explores their vast applications across various domains.

Defining the Sankey Diagram

At its core, a Sankey diagram is a directional flow chart that represents the quantity of material, energy, or cost moving through a process system; typically, the wider the path, the more massive the flow. Each path on the chart is a vector with length proportional to the quantity which it depicts and can be seen as an energy flow or a material flow.

Sankey diagrams are distinct from regular flow diagrams due to their distinctive stream-like lines and their emphasis on quantity. The flow moves from left to right, and the total flow into a process is usually summed at the beginning and the total outflow from the process is summed at the end. The diagram often starts and ends with a “zero” vector to indicate the entry and exit of flows.

Creating Sankey Diagrams

The process of creating a Sankey diagram is straightforward once you understand the principles. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a Sankey diagram:

Select the Data: Choose the data to be visualized. Sankey diagrams are ideal for processes or systems with identifiable inputs and outputs and where the flow can be categorized and measured.
Choose Sankey Chart Software: Use a dedicated Sankey charting tool or data visualization software that supports Sankey diagrams. Special software like Sankey Flow or Gephi can simplify the process. Alternatively, you could attempt to create one with Excel, using complex shapes and VBA scripts.
Map Inputs and Outputs: Begin the chart by mapping all inputs and outputs in the process. The size of the nodes (nodes are the rectangles showing flow rates) should reflect the magnitude of the flow.
Draw Flow Paths: Draw the flows—lines—from the start to the end of the process. Ensure the flow paths are consistent in direction.
Size the Paths: The thickness of the flow path indicates the magnitude of the flow. Keep the thickness proportional to the actual flow quantity.
Add Text and Labels: Label each node and flow path for clarity and ensure that they align with your key data points.
Review and Refine: Before finalizing the Sankey diagram, review it for any inconsistencies or areas where information could be improved or made clearer.

Applications of Sankey Diagrams

Sankey diagrams are incredibly versatile due to their ability to map complex processes visually.

Energy Analysis: In energy systems, Sankey diagrams illustrate how energy is distributed within a system, identifying bottlenecks or areas where energy is lost.
Business Analytics: Businesses use Sankey charts to visualize the flow of goods, services, and information. They help in tracking the movement of materials from raw to finished goods.
Supply Chain Management: They are essential in mapping the flow of material in the supply chain, identifying inefficiencies or excessive waste.
Environmental Impact Assessment: Sankey diagrams visualize the flow of water, CO2 emissions, and other materials, helping to understand and reduce environmental impact.

In conclusion, the power of Sankey diagrams lies in their ability to condense complex information into a highly visual and easy-to-understand format. The Sankey diagram is a key tool for streamlining success, allowing complex systems to be analyzed, presented, and optimized with clarity and precision. By harnessing the power of Sankey visualization, stakeholders can unlock valuable insights that shape better decisions, optimize processes, and support informed strategies in a rapidly changing world.

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.