Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that can help you understand the flow of data in your organization. They are particularly useful for showing the movement of data between different entities or departments. In this article, we will explore how to create Sankey charts and the many applications that they can be used for.

What are Sankey charts?

Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams or Sankey flowcharts, are a type of flowchart that use shape thicknesses to represent the flow of data between different entities. They are often used to show the movement of data between departments or different stages of a process.

The chart is named after its creator, Charles Sankey, who developed the technique in the late 1930s. Sankey charts are widely used in business, finance, and other fields to help organizations understand and optimize their data flow.

How to create a Sankey chart

To create a Sankey chart, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Gather data: The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to gather the data that you want to visualize. This may include data on the flow of goods, services, or money between different departments or entities.
2. Identify entities: Next, you will need to identify the different entities that the data is flowing between. These could be departments, locations, or even individuals.
3. Choose aSankey chart type: Sankey charts are available in several different types, including direct flow, reverse flow, and branch and link. You will need to choose the type of chart that best suits your data.
4. Edit the data: Once you have identified the entities and chart type, you can begin to edit the data to create the chart. This may involve adding lines between entities to represent the flow of data, and adjusting the thicknesses of those lines to represent the flow volume.
5. Customize the chart: Once the chart is created, you may want to customize it further to fit your needs. This could include adding color schemes, adjusting font sizes, or adding labels to the chart.

Applications of Sankey charts

There are many different applications for Sankey charts, including:

1. Process flow analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of a process, including the steps involved and the entities that are involved in each step. They can be used to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in a process.
2. Inventory management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of inventory between different locations or entities. They can help managers understand the inventory levels at different points and identify areas for optimization.
3. Financial analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of funds between different entities, such as departments or accounts. They can help finance professionals understand the flow of money and identify areas for optimization.
4. Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of goods between different entities, such as suppliers and customers. They can help supply chain managers understand the flow of goods and identify areas for optimization.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that can help you understand the flow of data in your organization. By following the steps in this guide, you can create a Sankey chart that can be used to help you optimize your data flow. From process flow analysis to financial analysis, there are many different applications for Sankey charts, making them an essential tool for any organization looking to improve the efficiency of their data flow.

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