Sankey charts, also known as flowcharts or directed acyclic graphs, are a powerful visualization tool for understanding and optimizing data flow and resource allocation. These charts use a unique set of directed lines to represent the flow of resources from one object to another, making it easy to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in any system.
In this article, we will explore how to create Sankey charts, and the many ways they can be applied to various industries and businesses to improve efficiency and optimize resource allocation.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that is used to visualize the flow of resources from one object to another. Each object in the chart is represented by a node, and the lines between nodes represent the flow of resources from one object to another. The direction of the lines indicates the direction of the resource flow, with incoming resources flowing into a node and outgoing resources flowing out of a node.
One of the key benefits of using a Sankey chart is that it allows you to easily identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in a system. By comparing the flow of resources before and after an intervention, you can see where improvements can be made to optimize resource allocation.
Creating a Sankey Chart
There are many software tools available for creating Sankey charts, including Sankey+, VisioMaps, and Sankey Flow. These tools usually provide a user-friendly interface where you can input your data, configure the chart settings, and view the resulting chart.
To create a Sankey chart, you typically need to input the following data:
- A list of objects or nodes in the chart
- A list of incoming resources and their associated start points
- A list of outgoing resources and their associated end points
You can then configure the chart settings, such as the size and color of the nodes, the type of flow lines, and the fonts used in the chart. Once you have entered your data, the chart tool will automatically generate the Sankey chart.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are useful for a wide range of applications, including:
- Supply Chain Management: Sankey charts are an effective tool for visualizing the flow of resources in a supply chain, from raw materials to finished products. By identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies, supply chain managers can optimize their operations and improve the delivery of products to customers.
- Business Process Mapping: Sankey charts are also useful for mapping out the various stages of a business process, from input to output. This helps organizations identify areas where improvement can be made to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
- Marketing Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of customers through a marketing campaign, from initial awareness of a product or service to purchase and beyond. This helps marketers identify areas where they can improve the customer journey and increase conversion rates.
- Resource Allocation: Sankey charts are an effective tool for visualizing resource allocation within an organization. By mapping out the flow of resources from one department to another, managers can identify areas where resources are being underused or overused, and make adjustments to optimize resource allocation.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can help organizations improve efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and identify areas where improvement can be made. By using a Sankey chart to visualize the flow of resources in a system, businesses can gain insights into how they can operate more efficiently, and make better decisions to improve their operations.
There are many software tools available for creating Sankey charts, and they are widely used in a variety of industries and businesses. Whether you are managing a supply chain, mapping out business processes, or optimizing resource allocation, a Sankey chart can be a valuable tool in your toolkit.
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.
