In today’s data-driven world, visualizing complex processes is more important than ever. One great way to do this is with Sankey charts, a type of flowchart that clearly demonstrates data flow dynamics. In this article, we’ll explore how Sankey charts work, what makes them unique, and some examples of their applications.
What is a Sankey Chart?
Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that focuses on processes between specific nodes. Each process is drawn as a line with arrows pointing from one node to another. The width of the line represents the size of the flow, while the color of the lines can be used to differentiate between different types of flows. The diagram also includes labels, which specify the origin and destination nodes, as well as the amount of the flow.
Sankey charts are great for showing how a process operates, how inputs or outputs are distributed, and how flows are balanced. They are easy to create and use, making them a great option for anyone looking to understand complex processes.
What makes Sankey charts unique?
One of the key things that makes Sankey charts so effective is the emphasis on flow. By visualizing flows between different nodes, they allow you to see exactly where the process is going, and how much of it is going to where. This makes it easy to see how the process is working, and to identify areas of improvement.
Another key feature of Sankey charts is the color-coding they use. By using specific colors to represent different types of flows, they can make it easy to see where the process is moving more slowly or where there might be bottlenecks.
Sankey charts can also be used to track changes over time. By creating a trail of Sankey charts over a period of time, you can see how flows are changing and whether they are balanced or not.
When to use a Sankey Chart
Sankey charts are great for a wide range of applications, from understanding supply chains to analyzing the flow of information within an organization. They are particularly useful for visualizing processes that are complex and interconnected, as they make it easy to see where the process is moving and how much of it is going to where.
Some examples of Sankey chart applications include:
- Supply chains where nodes represent different suppliers and flows represent the movement of goods between them
- Financial systems where nodes represent different accounts and flows represent the movement of money
- Manufacturing processes where nodes represent different departments and flows represent the movement of materials between them
The use of Sankey charts has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more companies recognize the value of this tool for visualizing complex processes. Whether you’re a data analyst, project manager, or simply someone who wants to better understand the processes in their life, a Sankey chart can be a powerful tool to help you do so.
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