Sankey charts, also known as flow charts, are a type of data visualization that are commonly used to display the flow of materials, money, or information between different entities or groups. They are particularly useful for visualizing complex systems and identifying opportunities for improvement or bottlenecks. In this article, we will explore the best practices for creating Sankey charts, as well as some applications of these charts in real-world scenarios.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

A Sankey chart is essentially a flow chart that uses arrows to represent the direction of the flow and the magnitude of the flow. To create a Sankey chart, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Select the data source: The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to select the data that you want to visualize. This can be a spreadsheet, a database, or any other type of data source.
2. Identify the entities: Next, you will need to identify the different entities that the data consists of. This can be done by looking at the data source or by discussing it with stakeholders.
3. Choose the type of chart: Sankey charts can be used to visualize a variety of different flows, including material flows, financial flows, and information flows. It is important to choose the type of chart that is most appropriate for your data.
4. Configure the chart: Once you have identified the entities and chart type, you can configure the chart by setting the chart title, selecting the colors and styles for the arrows, and choosing any additional options that may be relevant.
5. Create the chart: With the chart configured, you can now create the chart by adding the data to the chart and arranging the arrows to represent the flow of the data.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing complex systems and identifying opportunities for improvement or bottlenecks. Some common applications of Sankey charts include:

1. Material flow analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials between different entities, such as factories, distributors, or retailers. This can help identify opportunities to reduce waste, optimize supply chains, or improve efficiency.
2. Financial flow analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of money between different entities, such as departments, investors, or stakeholders. This can help identify areas of the business that may be overspending or underperforming.
3. Information flow analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information between different entities, such as departments, teams, or individuals. This can help identify opportunities to streamline communication or improve collaboration.
4. Process flow analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of a process or workflow, such as a manufacturing process or a customer service process. This can help identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce errors, or enhance the overall quality of the process.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for data visualization that can be used to represent complex systems and identify opportunities for improvement or bottlenecks. By following best practices for chart creation, you can create effective Sankey charts that accurately and clearly represent your data. With Sankey charts, you can gain valuable insights into your systems and processes, allowing you to make informed decisions about optimization and improvement.

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