Sankey charts are powerful tools for analyzing and presenting data in a way that is both clear and visually engaging. These diagrams are particularly useful for industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and more, where understanding complex interrelationships between different systems and processes is essential. In this article, we will explore the concept of Sankey charts, their benefits, and how they can be used to unlock the power of data for industry stakeholders.
What is a Sankey chart?
A Sankey chart is a graph of interconnections between different systems or processes. The main elements of a Sankey chart are:
- A direction-line: This represents the flow of information or data from source to sink.
- The number-circle (or flow-values): This represents the quantity or amount of information or data flowing from source to sink.
- The edge-bar: This represents the amount of information or data passing through each edge or connection in the graph.
- The node-points or node-columns: These represent the source and sink points of information or data.
The direction-line allows you to visualize the direction of flow, while the number-circle allows you to visualize the quantity of information or data being transferred. The edge-bar and node-columns represent the amount of information or data passing through each component or edge of the graph. By understanding the shape and direction of this diagram, you can gain valuable insights about the interrelationships between different systems and processes in your industry.
Benefits of using Sankey charts
Sankey charts have many benefits for industry stakeholders, including:
- Clarity of understanding: By using Sankey charts, industry stakeholders can easily understand the interrelationships between different systems and processes, which can aid in decision making and problem-solving.
- Quick identification of bottlenecks: By analyzing the flow of information or data using Sankey charts, industry stakeholders can identify areas that are running too slow or experiencing congestion, which can be addressed through optimizations or redesign.
- Enhanced collaboration: Sankey charts can facilitate collaboration between industry stakeholders, even if they are working from different locations or at different times. By visualizing the flow of information or data, stakeholders can easily share insights and collaborate on solutions.
- Improved communication: Sankey charts can improve communication by allowing stakeholders to read the information from each other’s viewpoint. This can help overcome language and cultural barriers, making it easier for industry stakeholders to work together.
How to create a Sankey chart
Creating a Sankey chart can be a bit involved, but there are several tools and software options available that make it easier. Here’s a brief overview of how to create a Sankey chart:
1. Gather data: Collect the data that you want to visualize in the Sankey chart.
2. Identify the components: Determine the different components or processes that you want to include in the Sankey chart.
3. Identify the edges and sinks: Determine the nodes or sources and sinks that will be used as the centers of the graph.
4. Draw the diagram: Create the diagram by drawing the direction-line, number-circle, edge-bar, and node-columns. You can use Microsoft Excel, Tableau, or a similar software package to create the diagram.
5. Customize the chart: Customize the chart to make it more visually appealing and easier to understand. You can use different colors and fonts to highlight different components or processes, and add annotations or labels as desired.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for industry stakeholders to visualize and analyze the interrelationships between different systems and processes. By creating and using Sankey charts, industry stakeholders can gain valuable insights and improve their decision-making processes, while also facilitating collaboration and communication. With the right tools and preparation, creating a Sankey chart is not difficult, and can be done with ease. So the next time you have data that needs visual representation, consider creating a Sankey chart to unlock its power and unlock the power of your industry.
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.
