Checklist for implementing a dashboard
Whichever system you choose, keep in mind that:
- The dashboard is like a “live” camera. It should be super easy to update
- The knowledge on maintaining and updating the dashboard shouldn’t be in the hands of one person. Make sure you have at least three people that have the knowledge to update it
- It shouldn’t complicate your existing IT infrastructure and it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Remember, you need it to provide guidance and reduce risks. You don’t want your dashboard to become the risk.
- It should be one, maximum two pages
- It should be easy to understand and accepted by management
- It definitely needs to be pleasant on the eye
Your dashboard needs to provide the answers to your questions (depending on what is relevant for you at the time) such as, should we invest in this new business? Should we tweak our product line? How are we performing as compared to our competition? What it shouldn’t do, is become a drag and a headache generator, because you can’t get a hold of anyone to update it.
Leila Gharani
I’ve spent over 20 years helping businesses use data to improve their results. I've worked as an economist and a consultant. I spent 12 years in corporate roles across finance, operations, and IT—managing SAP and Oracle projects.
As a 7-time Microsoft MVP, I have deep knowledge of tools like Excel and Power BI.
I love making complex tech topics easy to understand. There’s nothing better than helping someone realize they can do it themselves. I’m always learning new things too and finding better ways to help others succeed.
