Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that allow you to easily see the flow and circulation of data in a given system. With their unique shape, they offer a clear and intuitive way to represent the relationships between different data points, making it easy to understand complex processes and identify areas for improvement. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of Sankey chart creation, as well as some of the many applications for this powerful tool.
The Basics of Sankey Chart Creation:
Sankey charts were originally developed by Dr. W.F. Thompson as a way to visualize the flow of materials in a system. They are named after Thompson’s colleague, Dr. Edward Sankey, who further refined and popularized the use of these charts. Today, Sankey charts are widely used to visualize data flow and circulation in a variety of fields, including finance, engineering, and supply chain management.
To create a Sankey chart, you’ll need to gather a set of data points that represent the flow or circulation of some type of material or information. This can include things like customer orders, sales data, or product shipments. Once you have this data, you can use a spreadsheet program to create the chart using a specialized tool or add-on.
One popular tool for creating Sankey charts is Microsoft Excel. Excel has a built-in Sankey chart function that allows you to easily create a Sankey chart based on your data. Additionally, there are several third-party add-ons available that offer even more advanced Sankey chart capabilities, such as the “Sankey Diagram” add-on for Excel.
Applications of Sankey Charts:
Sankey charts are incredibly useful for visualizing data flow and circulation in a wide variety of fields. Some specific applications include:
- Supply Chain Management: Sankey charts are especially helpful in supply chain management, as they allow you to see the flow of materials or goods through different stages of the supply chain. This can help identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in the supply chain, making it easier to optimize efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.
- Finance: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of money between different accounts or entities, making it easy to identify areas of potential fraud or suspicious activity.
- Engineering: Sankey charts are often used to visualize the flow of energy or materials through an engineering system, making it easier to identify areas for improvement or optimize the system for efficiency.
- Marketing: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of customers through a marketing campaign, allowing you to see where customers are most engaged and identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion:
Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that allow you to easily see the flow and circulation of data in a given system. With their unique shape, they offer a clear and intuitive way to represent the relationships between different data points, making it easy to understand complex processes and identify areas for improvement. From supply chain management to finance to engineering and marketing, Sankey charts can be used in a variety of fields to help organizations improve efficiency, optimize processes, and make data-driven decisions.
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.
