The world is full of data, and it’s up to us to convey that data in a way that makes sense and is easy to understand. Sankey charts are a powerful tool for conveying complex dataflows in a clear and easy-to-digest manner. They are particularly well-suited for visualizing the interconnections between different data sources and outputs.
What Is a Sankey Chart?
In essence, a Sankey chart is a diagram that visually represents the data flow between different components or entities in a complex data-driven organization. The bars that make up a Sankey chart represent various elements of interest, like departments, processes, or individuals. The arrows that connect these bars represent how the elements flow from one component to another.
How Do Sankey Charts Work?
To create a Sankey chart, you simply need to think of the components as blocks or nodes, and the arrows as connections or relationships between those components. For instance, the chart above depicts the supply chain between a company and its suppliers. These blocks or nodes represent the companies or suppliers, and the arrows represent the movements or transactions between them.
With a Sankey chart, you can easily see which sources are sending data to which destinations, and how the data is being received. The chart above also helps to illustrate how the company’s efforts are interconnected with its suppliers. This can be useful in understanding the overall health of the business and identifying areas for improvement.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts have a wide range of applications in business analytics, particularly in fields like finance, supply chain, and human resources. Here are a few examples:
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Finance: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of data from a company’s financial statements to the bottom line. This can help managers identify trends, anomalies, and potential areas for improvement.
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Supply Chain: Companies can use Sankey charts to visualize the relationships between different suppliers and their outputs. This can help them optimize their supply chain and reduce costs.
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Human Resources: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of talent between departments or employees. Managers can use this information to identify trends, such as the rise or fall of a particular employee, and make informed decisions about how to improve the flow of resources.
Overall, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data flows. Whether you’re trying to understand a company’s supply chain or a team’s project management approach, a Sankey chart can help you communicate your ideas in a clear and concise manner. With a little practice, anyone can master this technique and start seeing the insights that Sankey charts can provide. So next time you’re working with complex data, try incorporating a Sankey chart into your visualization and see what you can discover!
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.
