Introduction
At times, it can be overwhelming to tackle a complex problem. Whether it’s a financial one or a personal one, it helps to break down the problem into smaller pieces. Here, we are looking at a tool that can simplify our problems – Sankey charts. These diagrams are a visual representation of flows between nodes and connections. They are an excellent tool for understanding the connection between different parts of a system or process.
The process of creating a Sankey chart is not a difficult task. There are various steps involved in the process of creating a Sankey diagram:
What is a Sankey Chart?
Sankey charts are a type of flow chart that is used to visualize the flows between different nodes or process flows. It is a type of diagram that shows the direction of the flow and the volume of the flow, with the nodes indicating the start, middle, and end of the process.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves three main operations – creating the nodes, creating the pipes, and interpreting the flow direction.
1. Create the Nodes: Start by creating the nodes in your diagram. Nodes can be positioned on a separate sheet of paper or drawn on the same page of construction paper, depending on your preference.
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Create the Pipes: Next, create pipes that connect the nodes together. You can use a marker, pen, or a ruler to outline the lines. Make sure to use the proper flow direction for the pipes. The size of the pipes should be appropriate to the volume of the flow, and they should be accurately represented.
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Interpret the Flow Direction: Finally, interpret the flow direction. Look at the flow direction of the pipes and note where the flows are coming from and going to. Pay close attention to the flow rates and note how they change from one flow to the next. Don’t forget to also include any flow reversals or dead ends.
Sankey charts are an excellent tool for organizing and visualizing data and processes. Here are some of the applications where you can use a Sankey chart:
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Project Planning: Sankey charts can help in planning and visualizing projects. By tracking the amount of work to be done, the timeline, and the resources available, you can determine the capacity of resources as they are allocated and plan accordingly.
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Marketing Strategy: In marketing strategy, sankey charts can be used to determine the flow of traffic and customer interactions in different areas of the marketing mix.
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Financial Planning: In financial planning, the flow of funds between different accounts and investments can be visualized using a Sankey chart. It can help in determining the allocation of funds between different investments and predict the risk of potential losses.
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Environmental Planning: Sankey charts can be used in environmental planning to determine the flow of water between ecosystems, habitats, and pollutants. It can help in determining the potential impact of different pollution sources and predicting the effects of pollution events.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are an excellent tool for visualizing the flow of data and processes. They can help you determine the amount of work to be done, project planning, marketing strategy, financial planning, and environmental planning. The process of creating a Sankey chart is not a difficult task, and the applications are endless. By using a Sankey chart, you can gain a deeper understanding of your data or processes and make informed decisions. So, the next time you encounter a complex problem, don’t hesitate to use a Sankey chart as your hidden treasure hunt.
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.
