A Sankey diagram is a type of flow diagram that is used to visualize the flow of data or information from one source to another. It is an advanced data visualization concept that uses a series of arrows and nodes to represent the flow of data. The width of the arrows in a Sankey diagram is proportional to the flow rate, which allows for easy visualization and analysis of data flow patterns.
Sankey diagrams are commonly used in various fields, including engineering, economics, and even social sciences. They are particularly useful in scenarios where data flows are complex and difficult to understand using traditional visualization methods. By using Sankey diagrams, data scientists and business analysts can easily identify patterns and trends in data flow, which can help them make informed decisions and optimize processes.
Key Highlights
- Sankey diagrams are a type of flow diagram that uses arrows and nodes to represent the flow of data.
- The width of the arrows in a Sankey diagram is proportional to the flow rate.
- Sankey diagrams are particularly useful in scenarios where data flows are complex and difficult to understand using traditional visualization methods.
References
- Wikipedia: Sankey Diagram
- Data-to-Viz: Sankey Diagram
- Tableau: How to Create a Sankey Diagram in Tableau
How to Apply Sankey Diagrams to Business
Sankey diagrams are useful for businesses that deal with complex data flows, such as supply chain management, energy management, or financial analysis. By creating a Sankey diagram of these data flows, businesses can identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for optimization. For example, a retailer can use a Sankey diagram to visualize the flow of products from suppliers to customers, and identify areas where there are delays or excess inventory. The retailer can then take action to optimize the supply chain and reduce costs. Sankey diagrams can also be used to visualize customer journeys, marketing funnel, and other business processes, allowing businesses to identify areas for improvement and increase efficiency.
