Metrics for a dashboard are tied to a target or have an acceptable range.  Reporting on them in a dashboard then generally expresses how they differ from the target and where they fall for an acceptable range.  These metrics are designed to instantly tell the business user where they stand on a goal, plan or problem resolution.  To select the metrics, you should start with the event that is your dashboard focus.  Working through the event takes you on a path through the data and eventually you’ll find the metrics that support your dashboard focus.  The business users know these processes better than anyone and need to be heavily involved.  You can help them by starting a dialog and prompting them to answer some key questions.

Questions to ask:

• What is the business question that needs answered?
• Why is this question important/necessary?
• Who creates the data, what is the process?
• What action or decision can be made with this information?
• At what granularity do you need this data in order to take that action or make that decision?

After working through these questions, a set of metrics will emerge.   You’ll also be able to determine how the data needs to be presented—a percentage, a specific value or simply a thumbs up or down.  Keep in mind that the metrics you choose need to have the following characteristics:

• Easy to understand
• Relevant
• Provide context
• Lead to positive action

Finally, they need to be tied to a target or a range.  You may need to collect data for a while before the optimum target or range is determined.  Review your metrics every few months to be certain they are still relevant.

A dashboard is a visualization tool that consolidates data and displays it in easy to digest graphical views.   The purpose of a dashboard can vary, but the presentation generally follows a simple rule – present data in a visually concise and simple manner.  Building a dashboard is no small feat and typically is fairly time-consuming.   Achieving the promised benefits requires the up-front investment.  Here’s what you do:

 

1.    Determine the business objective, goal or problem you hope to achieve or fix with your dashboard.  Keep it simple and narrowly focused.
2.    Determine the metrics and data that “tell the story” of your dashboard theme.   You need measureable, timely, relevant data that defines the success or diagnosis of your theme.  The metrics you choose should have a target or boundaries.
   
3.    Now you need to find the right qualifiers; this could be regions, time, people or all three.   The higher the level of data that you present, the cleaner your dashboard will look.  For example, instead of tracking a metric by days, track it by months.
4.    Create a prototype of your dashboard layout.  This includes selecting the best visualization for your metrics and assigning an importance to them.  Where you place the metrics on the dashboard can make a difference; people tend to look to the top left corner first so this is where you want to place the most important metric.
5.    Build your dashboard!  Revisit it every few months to be sure it’s still relevant and achieving its goal!

Creating a dashboard isn’t difficult, but the more preparation you put into it, the better your end result will be.