Sankey charts are a powerful and flexible way to visualize the flow and transformation of data in your organization. Created by British cartoonist and technical illustrator Carroll Sankey, they are often referred to as “flowcharts” or “network flowcharts.”
Sankey charts use a series of arrows and nodal points to represent the flow of data between different departments, individuals, or processes. They offer a unique way to see patterns and connections in your data that might not be immediately obvious through other types of charts.
One of the key benefits of Sankey charts is their ability to easily show the direction and magnitude of the flow of data. This makes it easy to identify bottlenecks, areas for improvement, and opportunities for optimization. They also provide a clear and intuitive visual representation of the flow of data, which can make it easier to understand and communicate complex concepts to others.
In this guide, we will explore how to create and apply Sankey charts to visualize flow and transformation in your data. We will also take a look at some real-world examples of how Sankey charts can be used to gain insights and make data-driven decisions.
Creating Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be created using a variety of tools, including spreadsheet software, diagramming tools, and specialized Sankey chart visualization software. Some popular tools for creating Sankey charts include Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Lucidchart, Visio, and DataViz.
To create a Sankey chart, start by gathering the data you want to visualize. This might include information about the flow of data between different departments, individuals, or processes. Next, choose a tool to create your chart and import the data into the software.
Once the data is imported, you can begin to create the chart by adding nodal points and arrows to represent the flow of data. Nodal points are represented by circles or rectangles, while arrows are used to show the direction and magnitude of the flow. You can also use colors, labels, and other visual elements to make the chart more informative and easier to understand.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts offer a range of applications, from understanding the flow of information within an organization to identifying opportunities for process optimization. Some common use cases for Sankey charts include:
- Identifying bottlenecks: Sankey charts can be used to easily identify areas where there is a significant amount of data flowing in one direction, such as a bottleneck in a process or a person who is responsible for a large portion of the data flow.
- Improving process efficiency: By visualizing the flow of data and identifying areas for improvement, Sankey charts can help organizations make data-driven decisions to optimize their processes and improve efficiency.
- Identifying data opportunities: Sankey charts can help organizations identify opportunities for data-driven decision making by revealing patterns and connections in their data. For example, a Sankey chart might show that a large percentage of data is flowing from one department to another, indicating a need for better communication or collaboration.
- Monitoring and reporting: Sankey charts can be used to monitor and report on the flow of data within an organization, providing insights into how data is being used and identifying areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing flow and transformation in your data. With their ability to show the direction and magnitude of data flow, they offer a unique way to gain insights and make data-driven decisions. Whether you are looking to understand the flow of information within an organization or identify opportunities for process optimization, Sankey charts can help you see your data in a new and more intuitive light.
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.
