FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a “dashboard”?

A dashboard is a visual display of information. The most common use of the word is in relation to some type of vehicle – the dashboard of a car, truck or boat. However, in the context that this Web site uses the term, “dashboard” refers to a software program that takes numerical or quantifiable data, and translates the data into visual graphic form displayed as tables, charts or performance dials. Dashboard can also refer to the actual computer screen on which the tables, charts and dials appear.

Why are dashboards valuable to businesses?

The value of dashboards is in the way they display data.

• Dashboards make data accessible. Most businesses have a lot of different data. Seldom, however, is there a way to make all this data easily accessible. It is usually in spreadsheets or computer reports. And even if copies were given to all the appropriate people at a business, chances are they would not have the time, ability or patience to read and understand it all. This can be hard with only current data. Now add a comparison of old data, and the process becomes even more difficult.
• Dashboards make large quantities of data understandable. Too much information, too little knowledge is a common problem. The Dashboards Program allows users – owners, key executives, managers – to define what information they want to track (see Key Performance Indicators – KPIs). The software takes that data from your database and displays it as charts, tables, graphs and gauges. The programming also allows the user to access previous data and display it in the same way for easy comparison.
• Dashboards make information available.
  Because the Dashboards Program is Web-based, the information can be displayed on any computer that is connected to the Internet, using a personalized User ID and Password. Busy executives traveling, working at home, or on vacation can still check the status of key activities anywhere, anytime with an Internet-connected computer.

Why should I be interested in dashboards?

The most important benefit to anyone who uses dashboards is that they help you manage your business or function better. The purpose of a dashboard display is not to simply display business information in colored charts, tables and graphs. Instead, the ultimate purpose is to make information clearer and easier to comprehend. Understanding more information more quickly allows faster action to correct problems or take advantage of situations. Time saved can then be used to better manage these business activities.

What are Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)?

Crucial measures of how your business is performing are KPIs. These indicate the status of various activities important to your business , such as the completion status of homes being constructed if you are a homebuilder. KPIs can also combine two separate performance measures to provide a summary of activities in one chart or gauge. The individual business owner defines what specific KPIs he or she wants to be displayed on the dashboard. Our consultants then program software to provide the desired display of information drawn from the individual company's database.

What are the steps I should expect to take when a Dashboards Program is installed in my business?

First, our consultants will assist you determine Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) you want to view on your dashboard display. This may be data you already are collecting into database or it may be a new measurement you want to start using. Second, the software is programmed to draw information from your existing database (QuickBooks, Peachtree, etc.), or we create a database for the new data. Third, you select the type of displays – graph, table, chart, gauge – to show the information. Fourth, and most important, use the dashboard displays to check on the status of business activities and better manage your business.

Who else uses dashboards?

Fortune 500 companies are very large users of dashboards. Not only do their CEOs and presidents use dashboards to help them manage, but also the executives in charge of various company functions use dashboards to manage their individual areas of responsibility, such as marketing, sales, human resources, financial, etc. They use dashboards the same way small and mid-size business can use dashboards.

What types of businesses or companies can make use of dashboards?

Virtually any size or type of business that wants to easily and quickly understand data can use dashboards. Dashboard Programs can use both current and existing data. A wide variety of databases can be used to supply information to dashboards. Once set up, dashboards continue to operate with little assistance. As information is inserted to the database, the displays automatically update on whatever schedule was selected – real-time, hourly, daily, weekly, monthly.

Why are dashboards available only now to smaller businesses?

For several years Fortune 500 companies have used dashboards. However these were expensive, custom-produced software packages designed specifically for a certain company and its interests. Now a new team has been created . Recently the George S. May International Company, a leading management consulting firm to small and mid-size businesses, and iDashboards, creators of a flexible and scalable Dashboards Program, teamed up to bring this dashboards management technology to smaller businesses.