Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that can help businesses and individuals better understand their data flow and make more informed decisions. Unlike traditional flowcharts, which rely on text and arrows to convey data, Sankey charts use directed pipes to show the direction and magnitude of the flow.
Sankey charts are popular in operations research, logistics, and business intelligence, where data flow is a critical component of process optimization and resource allocation. They are also used in physics, chemistry, and engineering, where scientists need to track the flow of energy, materials, or particles.
In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation, as well as some practical applications of Sankey charts for business and science.
Basics of Sankey Chart Creation
Sankey charts were first introduced in the 1970s by a Hungarian engineer named L.Sankey. He developed the chart to visualize the flow of materials between different stages of a production process. Today, Sankey charts are used to represent a wide range of data flows, including cash flow, personnel productivity, and information dissemination.
To create a Sankey chart, you need to follow these steps:
- Identify the data: The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to identify the data you want to visualize. This may involve analyzing a spreadsheet or database to identify the different stages or nodes in your data flow.
- Determine the direction: Sankey charts show the direction of the data flow. Flow can go in only one direction, from the source to the sink. This means that there is only one input node and one output node in a Sankey chart.
- Choose the visualization method: Sankey charts can be created in different software programs, such as Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or Draw.io. Choose the software that best suits your needs and skill level.
- Draw the chart: Draw the directed pipes to show the flow of data from the input node to the output node, using arrows to represent the direction of the flow and the magnitude of the flow using the pipe diameter.
Practical Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used in a wide range of industries and domains to help businesses and professionals make informed decisions. Here are some practical applications of Sankey charts:
- Operations Research: Sankey charts are commonly used in operations research to model and optimize complex production processes. By visualizing the flow of materials or resources between different stages of a production process, Sankey charts allow analysts to identify bottlenecks and optimize flow for improved efficiency and productivity.
- logistics: Sankey charts are useful in logistics to visualize the flow of goods and services between different distribution centers or suppliers. By analyzing the flow of goods, logistics professionals can identify potential bottlenecks and optimize the supply chain for better efficiency.
- Business Intelligence: Sankey charts are commonly used in business intelligence to visualize the flow of information between different departments or functional areas within an organization. By analyzing the flow of information, managers can identify potential bottlenecks and optimize communication and decision-making processes.
- Science: Sankey charts are used in the physical and chemical sciences to visualize the flow of energy, materials, or particles between different stages of a process. By analyzing the flow of energy or materials, scientists can identify potential sources of waste or loss and optimize the process for improved efficiency and sustainability.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that can help businesses and professionals better understand their data flow and make more informed decisions. By using directed pipes to show the direction and magnitude of the flow, Sankey charts allow analysts to identify potential bottlenecks and optimize processes for improved efficiency and productivity. Whether you are in operations research, logistics, business intelligence, or science, Sankey charts can be used to visual
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.
