Sankey charts are a type of flowchart visualization that are known for their ease of use and flexibility. They are particularly useful for creating visual representations of complex networks of information and data. In this article, we will explore the different techniques and applications of Sankey charts to help you unlock efficiency and better understand the different aspects of your workflow.
The Sankey Chart Overview
A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart visualization that uses arcs to represent the flow of information or data. Each arc is a link between two points, and the length of the arc represents the amount of the corresponding flow. The length of each arc can be used to represent time or duration, and the direction of each arc can be used to represent the direction of the flow. This type of chart is based on the concept of a stream of data or information, and is often used to represent the flow of resources or services between different parties or locations.
Types of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be divided into two categories based on the way that the flows are represented:
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Inflow flows chart
This type of Sankey chart represents the incoming flow of information or data. This type of chart can be used to visualize the flow of resources or services from a supply chain or from a government. It is also useful for visualizing the flow of information or data over time, such as in the case of supply chains. -
Outflow flows chart
This type of Sankey chart represents the outgoing flow of information or data. This type of chart is usually used to visualize the flow of resources or services from a government or a supply chain to a downstream location or to the public. It can also be used to visualize the flow of information or data over time, such as in the case of public service delivery or resource availability.
In both categories of Sankey charts, the use of arcs to represent the flow of information or data helps to visualize the different aspects of the network, and can provide a clear and direct representation of the flow of information or data. This makes it easy to understand and analyze the different aspects of the network.
Applications and Use Cases
Sankey charts are widely used in many different fields, including business, government, and academia. Some of the most common use cases include:
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Network Analysis and Monitoring: Sankey charts can be used to monitor the flow of information or data in a network over time. This can help identify patterns or trends, and can be used to inform decision-making and planning.
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Government and Public Service Delivery: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources or services from a government or a supply chain to a downstream location or to the public. This can be useful for analyzing the flow of information or data, and for optimizing the delivery of resources or services.
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Supply Chain Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of goods or services between different locations in a supply chain. This can help optimize the flow of information or data, and can be useful for analyzing the effectiveness of supply chain operations.
Benefits of Sankey Charts
There are several benefits of using Sankey charts to visualize data and information:
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Simplicity and Speed: Sankey charts are simple to use and can be visualized quickly.
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Flexibility: Sankey charts can be used in a variety of different contexts and scenarios, and can be adapted to meet specific needs.
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Use of Visual Aids: Sankey charts are a visual aid that can help make complex information or data easier to understand and more approachable.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a valuable tool for visualizing data, information, and flows. They are easy to use and understand and can help unlock more efficiency and better understanding of complex networks. Whether used for network analysis, public service delivery, or supply chain analysis, Sankey charts can provide valuable insights into how information and data flow between different parties or locations.
SankeyMaster
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