Sankey charts are a type of network diagram that uses lines and areas to represent the flow of resources or data between different concepts. They are a powerful tool for visualizing complex relationships and interactions in a clear and intuitive way. In this article, we will unravel the secrets of sankey charts, exploring what they are, how they can be created, and their applications in different fields.
What are Sankey Charts?

A sankey chart is a two-dimensional diagram that is typically filled-in with symbols and lines to represent the flow of resources (e.g. materials, information, energy, and so on) between different concepts or concepts and a base concept. The lines can be used to represent the flows, while the symbols can represent the concepts that they flow between.
Sankey charts can be used to visualize a wide range of relationships and interactions, including supply chains, process networks, communication networks, and more. They are an excellent tool for understanding the flow of resources and information in a complex system or organization.
How to Create a Sankey Chart

To create a sankey chart, you will need to do the following:

1. Identify the concepts or topics: Determine the concepts or topics that you want to visualize in your sankey chart. These can be abstract or concrete, and can represent any type of resource or data flow.
2. Organize the concepts: Organize the concepts in an orderly way, allowing them to progress from the base concept up the chart. This will help to establish the overall flow of the chart.
3. Choose the line styles and symbols: Decide how you want the lines and symbols to be displayed. For example, in a flow chart, long, arrow-like lines may be used to represent the flow of resources, while shorter, more stylized lines may represent interaction.
4. Arrange the data: Determine the order in which the data will be displayed in the chart. You can do this by arranging the symbols in a circle, or by placing them in a grid pattern.
5. Fill the chart: Use the symbols to fill in the chart. You can choose to do this in any color, or you can assign a color to each concept or symbol.
6. Add a legend: To make your chart more user-friendly, add a legend that explains the meaning of the lines and symbols.
   What Are the Applications of Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts have a wide range of applications in various fields, including:

1. Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials, components, and components in a supply chain. This helps organizations to optimize their production and logistics processes, reduce downtime, and improve overall efficiency.
2. Process networks: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of data or information in a process or network. This is useful for understanding the complexities of a system and identifying potential bottlenecks or areas of improvement.
3. Communication networks: Sankey charts can be applied to visualizing the flow of data or information in a communication network, such as an email system or social media platform. This can help organizations to optimize their communication processes and improve collaboration.
4. Healthcare: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources in healthcare, including patients, medications, and doctors. This can help organizations to identify areas of inefficiency and optimize resource allocation.

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex relationships and interactions in a clear and intuitive way. By understanding how to create and apply sankey charts, you can gain a deeper understanding of the flow of resources in your organization or in a wider context.

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.