Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are text-based reports that summarize data on the dashboard, and they are mainly used by management. Note that they can be used by inpidual contributors, as well, but only for specific metrics that the user is interested in, as opposed to a manager, who will want to view more widespread data.

KPIs have built-in hyperlinks to the underlying reports that they summarize, so that the user is only a click away from the details. KPIs can compare each report against a previous date or date range, so that the user sees the information in context, as opposed to simply the metrics as of today's date. The change is summarized at the end of the line of each KPI, and is colored in red or green, to signify whether the metric has improved or declined since the comparative date. There is also a link to a trend graph, if users want to see more than two date ranges. Click on the icon to the left of the KPI to view the trend graph:

Key Performance Indicator portlet

Click the Setup button on the Key Performance Indicator portlet to add or remove reports. There are a number of standard reports available, as well as the ability for the administrator to create custom KPIs, to drill-down into specific areas pertaining to your industry.

The user can also determine the specific date range and comparative date range for each inpidual KPI, and can highlight that metric if it reaches a particular value, such as when the bank balance falls below $10,000.

As you can see, KPIs can be very useful for managers to keep track of many different aspects of the business.