Introduction
As a business manager or an information analyst, there are times when visual representations of data can help you better understand complex information and navigate through it more effectively. Sankey charts are a type of visual representation that provides an insight into the flow of ideas and information, making it a powerful tool for data analysis.
This article will explore the basics of Sankey charts, how they work, and examples of their applications in businesses. It will also discuss the importance of choosing the right type of Sankey chart for your data, and how best to present and interpret the data you present.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a visual representation of a flow of ideas or information, showing the relationships between different components. It is a type of network diagram that is used to illustrate the flow of materials, information or ideas between different sources and destinations.
The chart is made up of a network of vertical lines that represent different sources or outputs, and horizontal lines that represent different sinks or sources of inputs. Each line can be a single item or can belong to multiple items. Sankey charts use colors to represent the direction of the flow and to add additional information such as the flow rate or the type of flow.
Types of Sankey Charts
There are two main types of Sankey charts: the simple Sankey chart and the detailed Sankey chart.
Simple Sankey chart: The most basic type of Sankey chart, featuring only two lines. It is used to illustrate the flow of a single item or idea, from a source to a sink.
Detailed Sankey chart: This type of Sankey chart contains more than two lines, each representing a specific source or target. It often includes additional information such as the amount of flow or the type of flow.
What Applications Does a Sankey Chart Have?
Sankey charts are commonly used in business settings to illustrate the flow of ideas or information between different groups or teams within an organization. They can also be used to illustrate the flow of resources, such as materials, between different departments within a business.
In healthcare, Sankey charts are used to illustrate the flow of patients between a clinic and the hospital, which is helpful for managers to identify bottlenecks in the supply chain.
Data Analysis with Sankey Charts:
To create a Sankey chart, you need to have your data organized in a spreadsheet with the source and sinks represented by horizontal and vertical lines. You need to arrange the data in a way that makes it easy to visualize the flow of the information between the different sources and sinks.
Once you have your data organized, you can start to draw the Sankey chart using a software or a whiteboard. This will allow you to quickly understand and compare the different flows of ideas and information.
Interpreting Sankey Charts:
After you draw your Sankey chart, it’s time to interpret what the data means. To interpret the Sankey chart, you need to consider the flow rate of each item, the direction of the flow, and the type of flow.
For example, if you see a flow of water towards the center of the chart, it could indicate that more water is being consumed in that area than is being produced in that area. Similarly, if you see a flow of information towards the center of the chart, you can use Sankey chart to identify the most important sources or sinks of information in a business.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for data analysis and visualization. They allow you to easily identify the flow of ideas and information between different groups or departments within a business, making it easier to understand and manage complex data.
Whether you’re creating a simple Sankey chart or a detailed Sankey chart, you can now use Sankey chart to interpret your data effectively, making your business a more efficient and effective operation.

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.