ERP Software and the Numerous Uses of Executive Dashboards
ERP software systems are typically designed for Enterprise configurations, which usually include Executive Dashboard modules geared for quick views of all aspects of the company; generally in real-time data.
These ‘dashboards’ are designed to fill a certain role and have an important purpose. Top level management in large companies do not have the time to spend a lot of time looking at reports that are full of confusing details. They need a quick and easy way to look at key performance indicators, in real time, so that they can make the high level decisions that they need to make on a daily basis. These indicators can be customized by each company within the software’s interface, so as indicators change or companies grow, the software’s dashboard can adapt.
For example, C-Level executives may only need to see the basics of the P&L and other reports – things like sales figures, monthly comparisons, current market data, and maybe even competitor positions. In other words, the things most pertinent towards making the most effective high level decisions.
On the other hand, lower level managers and executives might need to see where the rolled up P&L data is coming from, such as which business units or projects are impacting those particular indicators. These executives might also want to know how some of their direct reports are managing their responsibilities, thus they might opt for being able to view data for each segment within their jurisdiction, in order to interject proactive motivation or assistance when it is most important.
That is not to say that all businesses will use dashboards the same way. The specific model that your company operates on will dictate what indicators are important and which ones can be ignored. One good way to ensure that the right people are always looking at the right set of indicators is to map out all buiness processes and methodologies and look for the best ways to monitor that data.
Many forms of data are available through Executive Dashboards in most Enterprise systems with the proper interfaces and data feeds established. Companies certainly benefit from mapping their business processes and methodologies to reflect the synergistic relationships between all segments of the business, and marrying that to the ERP software functionality.
If your software package doesn’t have executive dashboard functionality, take comfort in the fact that there are numerous third-party executive dashboard packages than can be integrated with most commonly used business software.
Finally, it is worth noting that these dashboards and the decision making that they facilitate are only as good as the data that is put in to the system by the end users. If garbage is put in to the system, garbage will come out. Therefore, as always, I stress the importance of thorough and frequent end-user training for all companies that use industry-specific manufacturing software.
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