The process of examining sets of data using specialized computer systems is called data analytics or data analysis. These computer systems make data easier to interpret by transforming, arranging, and modeling it to form patterns.
Data analytics tools guide businesspeople in coming up with better business decisions. Researchers and scientists also use these tools to evaluate scientific hypotheses, theories, and models.
Real-time report of data about the performance of a company, a specific department, a project, or group of employees can be accessed through a so-called data analytics dashboard. This is an information management tool, which monitors a group or a company’s metrics, key data points, and key performance indicators (KPI).
A dashboard can be customized according to a department or a company’s needs. It connects to your attachments, services, files, and Application Program Interface (API).
IT Management Dashboards
Some of the available dashboards for IT include the following:
- IT Executive Dashboard
This allows managers and executives to view the workload and performance of an IT organization.
- IT Service Desk Manager Dashboard
This allows service desk managers to have a view of the strategic view of service desk operations.
- IT Technician Dashboard
This gives IT technicians a chance to see their workloads in an operational level.
Benefits of Using Dashboards
- Monitor Multiple Metrics and KPIs at Once
Many businesspeople use multiple computer systems in monitoring the performance of their company. This can be time-consuming.
With the use of a data dashboard, you can have access to multiple data at once.
A dashboard uses data stored either from your API, web service, or attachment. Then, it displays your company’s metrics and KPIs in one central location. This enables you to monitor your company’s performance and make right business decisions real-time.
- Easy to Read
Data are displayed in dashboards using the following:
- Table
- Line Chart
- Gauge
- Bar Chart
As opposed to going over series of spreadsheets or files, visual representations in a dashboard is more helpful in delivering real-time and easy-to-read data.
Even if you have no background in marketing, you can see how well your company is performing. In some dashboards, colored arrows are used to indicate whether your company has performed well or not during a period.
A green arrow pointing up may mean that your company is doing good. Whereas, a red arrow facing down may mean otherwise.
- Accessible to Everyone
A dashboard makes everyone in your company informed because data can be accessed through the cloud.
You can have your company’s KPIs and metrics real-time through your mobile, tablet, or desktop. Some companies share their dashboard through wallboard televisions, printed reports, email reports, or direct access.
A dashboard can also be designed so that only members of a specific department or team can access the data.
- Allows Collaboration
Dashboards allow continuous communication among different members of a team or company since data is widely accessible. This makes collaboration easier.
Members of a team or a company can evaluate the results of their business decisions real-time.
A dashboard also makes communication easier for managers or employees from different company locations. They do not have to see each other personally to deliver their location’s metrics.
The same goes for CEOs who frequently travel. They can still monitor the progress of their company, projects, or employees even if they are away from the company.
- Reporting Becomes More Efficient
Monitoring your company’s data using a single dashboard saves time. You do not have to go over multiple and separate sources to track your data.
A dashboard can make all the hard tasks for you. It gathers data, makes spreadsheet, generates, and designs the report. It even shares it automatically.
As opposed to having your report done at the end of each month, you can have your report daily. What you just need to do is to make time in designing your dashboard to meet the needs of your company.
You can also create different versions of your data.
Using a dashboard, you can make email, PDF, or live reports. Just select the KPI you want to evaluate, and choose the format of your report. Then, you can now present your report.
IT management dashboards offer convenience, efficient, and easy to understand data. A company’s overall performance can improve through the creation of informed business decisions based on dashboard data.