Sankey charts, also known as directed flow diagrams, are a powerful and visually appealing way to represent the flow and transformation of a system or process. They consist of directed lines that represent the flow of materials, information, or any other type of entity, with each line shown as a separate path that connects different nodes or vertices. These nodes can represent different stages or processes within the system, and the chart can be manipulated to show how the flow of entities moves between these stages.
Sankey charts are useful for a wide range of applications, including process optimization, supply chain management, and financial analysis. For example, they can be used to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing process, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement. They can also be used to represent the flow of financial transactions, showing which accounts receive and disburse funds.
One of the strengths of Sankey charts is their ability to easily reveal relationships and patterns that might not be immediately obvious through other types of visualizations. For example, they can be used to show the relative importance of different stages or processes in a system, or to identify which entities are responsible for the majority of the flow through a particular stage.
To create a Sankey chart, you can use a number of different tools and software programs. Some popular options include Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and Smartsheet. These programs typically have a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to add and manipulate nodes and lines with ease. You can also use online tools such as Sankey Flowchart or Sankey Flow Diagram to create and edit charts online without the need for any software installation.
Overall, Sankey charts can be a very effective way to visualize and understand complex systems and processes. They offer a unique and compelling way to represent the flow and transformation of entities, and are therefore well worth considering for any project that requires this type of visualization. Whether you are a process engineer, a supply chain manager, or a financial analyst, Sankey charts 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.