Streamlining Your Data Journey: How Sankey Charts Visualize Flow and Transformation

Data is the lifeblood of organizations, and it’s essential to manage it effectively to make informed decisions. One way to visualize data flow and transformation is by using Sankey charts, a type of flowchart that displays the movement of data between different entities. In this article, we’ll show you how to create Sankey charts and some of their applications.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts are flowchart diagrams that represent the flow of material or information between two or more systems. They were first introduced by a Dutch chemical engineer named J.H. Sankey in the late 19th century. Sankey charts are especially useful for visualizing complex networks of data and identifying areas for improvement.

Sankey charts consist of a set of interconnected arrows that represent the flow of material or information between different entities. Each arrow is labeled with a flow value, which represents the amount of material or information passing through a particular node in the network. The flow values are often measured in units such as tons, liters, or dollars.

Creating Sankey Charts

Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps. Here’s a general process:

1. Identify the flow of interest: Determine the type of data or material that you want to visualize in the Sankey chart. This could be a company’s revenue or product sales, for example.
2. Gather the data: Collect the necessary data for the chart. This may include flow values, source or destination nodes, and other relevant information.
3. Determine the layout: Decide how the chart will be organized. This could include the order of the nodes, the size of the flow values, and other layout details.
4. Create the chart: Use a flowcharting tool such as Microsoft Visio or Lucidchart to create the chart based on your specifications.
5. Customize the chart: Add labels, annotations, and other visual elements to enhance the chart’s clarity and readability.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts have a wide range of applications, including:

1. Supply chain management: Sankey charts are used to visualize the flow of materials or information through a supply chain, helping organizations identify potential bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
2. Financial analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of revenue or expenses in a financial organization, providing insights into areas where cost savings can be achieved.
3. Marketing analysis: Sankey charts are useful for visualizing the flow of marketing activities, such as advertising campaigns or social media engagement, helping organizations identify which campaigns are most effective.
4. Organizational management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information or resources within an organization, helping managers identify areas where communication or resource allocation could be improved.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing data flow and transformation. By using flowchart diagrams like Sankey charts, organizations can gain insights into their operations and make informed decisions to improve efficiency and optimize resources. With the right flowcharting tool, creating a Sankey chart is easy and straightforward.

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.