Sankey charts, also known as directed flow charts, are a type of flowchart that are used to visualize and analyze data flow and transformation. They were originally developed in the 1800s by a Dutch engineer named H.C. Sankey and have since become a popular tool for data visualization and analysis in a variety of fields, including engineering, finance, and marketing. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and provide examples of how they can be used to navigate data flow and transform.

Sankey chart creation

To create a Sankey chart, you will need to follow a few simple steps:

1. Determine the direction of the flow: In a Sankey chart, each flow direction is represented by an arrowhead. To determine the direction of the flow, start at the source and follow the flow until you reach the drain or sink. This will give you the direction of the flow.
2. Create a flowmap: A flowmap is a grid that represents the flow of the data. The x-axis of the flowmap represents the source of the flow, and the y-axis represents the sink or drain. Each cell in the flowmap represents a single flow unit, such as a customer or a product.
3. Draw the flow arrows: Starting at the source, draw a flow arrow to the first flow unit, and then draw flow arrows to the next flow unit, and so on, until you reach the sink or drain.
4. Label the flow arrows: Label each flow arrow with the number of flow units it represents, and the type of flow unit it represents (for example, customer, product, etc.).
5. Customize the chart: You can customize the chart by adding titles, scales, and other elements to enhance the chart.

Applications of Sankey charts

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for navigating and analyzing data flows and transformations. Some of the applications of Sankey charts include:

1. Flow analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of data between different departments or processes within an organization. By visualizing the flow of data and identifying bottlenecks or inefficiencies, organizations can identify opportunities for process improvement.
2. Pricing and revenue analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of revenue or prices between different products or services. By analyzing the flow of revenue, organizations can identify trends, optimize pricing strategies, and reduce costs.
3. Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or products between different suppliers or components. By analyzing the flow of materials, organizations can identify lead times, optimize inventory management, and reduce costs.
4. Product development: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of ideas and inputs between different stages of product development. By analyzing the flow of ideas, organizations can identify opportunities for collaboration and optimize the product development process.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing data flow and transformation. With their simple yet powerful visual representation, Sankey charts are a valuable tool for organizations in a variety of fields. From flow analysis to pricing and revenue analysis, the applications of Sankey charts are virtually limitless.

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