Sankey chart is a powerful tool for visualizing data flow and its application in different fields has been increasing in recent years. Sankey charts have become a great tool for analyzing complex data flows in various domains, from engineering to social sciences. They offer a unique way of expressing relationships between different entities in a networked system. In this article, we will discuss what is a sankey chart and how to create one. We will also explore its applications in different domains and provide examples of how it is being used effectively.

What is a Sankey Chart?

Sankey chart is a type of diagram that is used to represent the flow of data between different entities. It is created by drawing a network of lines and circles, with each circle representing a different entity. The flow of data can be depicted by using different colors for each entity, showing different types of data movements. A sankey chart can be used to show input, output, and data flow in a networked system.

Creation of a sankey chart

Creating a sankey chart requires two main components:

1. Identify the entities for which you want to create a sankey chart, such as suppliers, customers, etc.
2. Draw the network of lines and circles, and add the color representing the type of data flow.

A sankey chart is created by following these steps:

1. Identify the entities: Think about the entities that you want to represent in your sankey chart and their relationships. Identify the type of data flow you want to depict.
2. Draw the network: Draw a network of lines and circles. The lines should be drawn between the entities, forming a network of communication or information flow. The circles should represent the entities, with each circle representing a different business process or activity.
3. Add the color: Add the color to each entity to represent the type of data flow. For example, a green circle can represent input data, a red circle can represent output data, and a blue circle can represent data transfer.

Sankey Chart Applications

Sankey charts are widely used in various fields and domains, such as:

1. Engineering: Sankey charts are used to visualize the flow of energy and materials between components in an engineering system.
2. Medical and Health Care: Sankey charts are used to visualize the flow of medical supplies, such as medication or vaccines, between healthcare facilities and pharmacies.
3. Finance and Economics: Sankey charts are used to visualize the flow of capital and transactions between businesses, industries, and economies.
4. Social Sciences: Sankey charts are used to visualize the flow of ideas, concepts, or information between different individuals or organizations in a networked society.

Benefits of Sankey Charts

Here are some benefits of using sankey charts:

1. Visual Representation: Sankey charts provide a visual representation of data flows, making it easier to understand complex data networks.
2. Streamlining Process: Sankey charts can help streamline processes by showing the flow of data through different stages and allowing you to understand the bottlenecks and areas that need improvement.
3. Data Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze data flows and detect patterns, trends, and anomalies in the data.

Examples of Sankey Chart Usage

Let’s take a look at some examples of sankey chart usage:

1. Healthcare: A sankey chart of medical supplies flow between hospitals and pharmacies. It shows the flow of supply chain and the flow of medications from suppliers to pharmacies, to hospitals.
2. Engineering: A sankey chart of component flow between different components in an engineering system. It shows the flow of materials, energy and information between components, and helps analyze the system’s performance.
3. Finance: A sankey chart of capital flow between businesses, industries and economies. It shows the flow of capital and transactions between businesses, helping to understand the health of the economy.
4. Social Sciences: A sankey chart of ideas, concepts and information flow between individuals and organizations in a networked community. It shows the flow of information and help you to understand the system’s dynamics and structure.

In conclusion, sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing data flows and understanding complex relationships in networks. They can help streamline processes, analyze data, and detect patterns in the data. Sankey charts are widely used in various fields such as engineering, healthcare, finance, and social sciences.

SankeyMaster

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