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Dashboards and scorecards are both ways of displaying information in a compact easy to use format. The analogy with the car dashboard is well established, but it is important to remember the parameters of the screen when designing either.
In this section we will discuss dashboards and scorecards together as part of a performance management framework and then look at the design of each in turn.
Generally speaking an organisation will design a hierarchy of dashboards and scorecards which means that metrics can roll up from the bottom to the top (not necessarily algorithmically), and users can drill from the top to the bottom. Dashboards will be reviewed regularly – usually daily, whereas scorecards will be the subjects of a more rigorous analysis on say a monthly basis. The definition of the appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics is key to getting dashboards and scorecards adopted and used throughout the organisation for making better decisions faster.
DashboardsThe dashboard is a way of displaying KPI data. It can have all manner of ways of doing this – numbers, gauges, thermometers, traffic lights and so on. Which method and type of KPI being displayed is largely a matter of personal choice.
The intent to create something which is easy to take in at a glance, showing performance against target, trends and values should be constantly borne in mind.
This has to be achieved in limited screen real-estate, since a well-designed dashboard should eliminate the need to scroll to get all the information that can be displayed. This militates against some of the more screen intensive views of data. Indeed our experience, as well as HCI (human-computer interaction) research, shows that dashboards with flashy graphics do a great job in the selling cycle, in actual use, executives prefer simple, compact views that show the same data in a more familiar context.
These sample screen shots shown here illustrate the types of gadgets that can be used to display metrics; they also show how much screen can be wasted doing this, for no discernible advantage over simpler types.
| Sparkline charts are an excellent way of summarizing data as a trend with a known finish point. This example shows a lot of information in a very limited space. |
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 | It is very easy to see the current value and the historical trend for a number of indicators in a very compact space. All that is needed is a way of adding an indicator for above, below or at target and a very efficient dashboard can be created.
A good example is this dashboard:
Notice that in a very limited space it is displaying:
- Trend, using a sparkline
- Status, using a colure dot
- Actual compared to target, with below, at, and above expectation boundaries
- The target values are aligned on the charts, meaning it is easy to see the overall picture by the shape the actual data traces as you look down the measures.
- Precise actual value.
Compare this to the colourful, and gadget-rich dashboard shown earlier, and notice with careful design how much more information is quickly displayed. Also observe that the dashboard has precisely 7 KPIs – probably the optimum number.
The top-level dashboard will also display the ‘bubble-up’ KPIs, and allow links to supporting departmental or divisional dashboards. It is also worth noting that although the technology exists to allow anyone to drill down to any level of detail this is rarely a good idea.
Dashboards should fit to a single screen, without the need to scroll and show powerful information in a concise way, enabling the user at a glance to determine if action is required and decisions to be made.
ScorecardsCompared to the dashboard the scorecard is a more static view, akin to a school report. It provides a snapshot of performance at a point in time, and is a more comprehensive view than KPI dashboards, although the KPIs may well be represented on the scorecard as well.
A scorecard will look something like this:
Notice that in this example each level can be opened to show the detail below, and it again shows values, plan and trends, but in a different way to the dashboard, and for many more metrics.
Similar to the dashboard hierarchy top level scorecards will link to departmental and divisional scorecards which will incorporate the same or derived indicators from the level above.
A current best-practice approach is to link the scorecards with the company’s strategy map
The various elements on the strategy map are animated to show performance compared to target or plan, and will typically be shown side by side with the hard numerical view of the scorecard. This dual view brings the scorecard to life and helps focus on the linkages and drivers between the different facets of the scorecard.
One important point within the scorecards is that they need to report progress on initiatives, projects, programmes (or other appropriate name) which are attempting to advance the business by improving performance of the KPIs. It is assumed that initiatives are selected because they will address KPI improvement; it therefore makes sense to review the progress of these initiatives as part of the scorecarding process.
Dashboards and scorecards are powerful information display mechanisms, and when used properly enable business decision makers to easily access the information they need to make better, faster decisions.
To find out more about dashboards and scorecards and how they can benefit you, call Altimus on 0800 804 6442 and speak to one of our experts, or contact us through Information Request |