Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that use orange and black arrows to represent the flow of goods, services, or information from one node to another. They are particularly useful for visualizing data flow and optimizing processes in complex systems. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and some of the many applications for this powerful visualization tool.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that uses arrows to represent the flow of goods, services, or information from one node to another. Each node in the chart represents a process or an individual and each arrow represents a flow from one node to another. The arrows are colored either orange or black, with orange arrows indicating a flow of goods or services and black arrows indicating the flow of information.
How to Create a Sankey Chart?
There are several software programs that can be used to create Sankey charts, including Microsoft Excel, Lucidchart, and SmartDraw. These programs typically provide templates specifically for Sankey charts, which can be customized to fit the needs of your specific data.
To create a Sankey chart in Microsoft Excel, for example, you can use the插入SankeyChart function. This function allows you to enter the data for your chart and then generates a Sankey chart based on that data. You can then customize the chart as needed by adjusting its appearance and adding additional nodes or arrows.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are useful for visualizing data flow in complex systems, allowing you to see how different elements are interconnected and how they impact each other. They are particularly useful in industries such as logistics, finance, and healthcare, where understanding data flow is critical for optimizing processes and improving efficiency.
Some examples of how Sankey charts can be used include:
- Logistics: A Sankey chart can be used to visualize the flow of goods or services through a logistics system, showing how they move from one location to another and who is responsible for each step in the process. This can help identify areas where improvements can be made to streamline the process and reduce costs.
- Finance: A Sankey chart can be used to visualize the flow of money through a financial system, showing where it originates, how it is invested or spent, and where it ultimately ends up. This can help identify areas where improvements can be made to optimize financial processes and reduce waste.
- Healthcare: A Sankey chart can be used to visualize the flow of information through a healthcare system, showing how patient data is shared between different healthcare providers and how decisions are made about patient care. This can help identify areas where improvements can be made to improve communication and coordination between healthcare providers.
- Manufacturing: A Sankey chart can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing system, showing how raw materials are transformed into finished products and where each step in the process takes place. This can help identify areas where improvements can be made to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce waste.
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.
