Business analysis glossary
Dashboard
What it is
A dashboard is a visual display of key measures, usually on one screen, that helps users monitor performance and spot problems. It can include charts, tables, filters and highlighted KPIs. Typical elements are KPI tiles, trend charts, comparison bars and filters, laid out so the most important information comes first.
Why it matters
A good dashboard answers a particular user's questions at a glance. A poor one shows everything and tells nobody what to do. Analysts begin by asking who will use it, which decisions they make and how often, then choose only the measures that serve those decisions.
Example
The Brightpath Logistics dispatcher dashboard shows today's late deliveries, parcels waiting over two hours at the depot and drivers with the most failed attempts, with a filter by region. Everything on it exists for one reason: to help the dispatcher decide where to send help next, and nothing else is shown.