Unleashing the Power of Sankey Charts: Visualizing Data Flow and Circulation in Data Analysis

Sankey charts are a specialized type of flowchart that are often used to visualize the flow of data or the circulation of goods. They are particularly useful for data analysis and process mapping, enabling you to easily see how different components of your system are connected and how data moves through them.

In this article, we will explore the creation of Sankey charts and the various applications for using them in data analysis and process mapping.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that is used to visualize the flow of data or the circulation of goods. It is named after Wim Kok, a Dutch chemical engineer who patented the first Sankey chart in 1931.

Sankey charts consist of two types of nodes: origin nodes and destination nodes. The origin nodes represent the inputs to a system, while the destination nodes represent the outputs. The arrows between the nodes represent the flow of data or the movement of goods. By default, the chart shows the flow of data, but it can also be used to show the flow of goods or other types of flow.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

There are several tools available for creating Sankey charts, including:

• Microsoft Excel
• Lucidchart
• SmartDraw
• ProcessOn
• Coggle
• Draw.io

Each of these tools has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s a good idea to try a few different options to see which one works best for your needs.

When creating a Sankey chart, you will need to do the following:

1. Define the origin and destination nodes for your chart.
2. Determine the type of flow you want to visualize (data, goods, etc.).
3. Add arrows between the nodes to represent the flow of data or movement of goods.
4. Customize the chart as needed, such as adding labels or changing the chart style.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are particularly useful for data analysis and process mapping, allowing you to easily see how different components of your system are connected and how data moves through them. They can be used to:

• Visualize the flow of data in a data analysis
• Map the flow of goods in a supply chain
• Trace the flow of funds in a financial analysis

• Show the circulation of goods in a manufacturing process

  Sankey charts can also be used to identify bottlenecks in a process, highlight areas where data is being lost or corrupted, and show how different components of your system are connected and interacting with each other.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for data analysis and process mapping. They allow you to easily see how different components of your system are connected and how data moves through them, making it easier to understand and improve the flow of data or goods in your system. Whether you’re working on a data analysis, a supply chain, or a financial analysis, Sankey charts can be a valuable addition to your toolkit.

There are many tools available for creating Sankey charts, so it’s worth exploring different options to find the one that works best for your needs. When creating a Sankey chart, remember to define the origin and destination nodes, determine the type of flow you want to visualize, add arrows between the nodes, and customize the chart as needed. With the right tools and a little practice, you can easily create Sankey charts that help you unlock the power of data visualization.

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