How to Pick An Executive Dashboard Program

" Are we there yet?" It's not just the question asked by bored children on family vacations. Knowing where you are and where you are going with YOUR BUSINESS is the business of Executive Dashboard programs and services. As valuable to you as the dashboard on your car, Executive Dashboard software gives you the information to know which way to drive your business at any given time in any given condition.

Things You'll Need

• The ability to compare with a critical eye towards what is really needed.

Instructions

1. I know you can't imagine driving your car without the feedback you receive from the front panel readouts that provide you with crucial knowledge on which way you are going or the status of your fuel consumption. Knowing these facts gives you comfort in good times and the ability to react quickly in bad times. The same can be said for the Executive Dashboard experience.

2. 

   When looking at Executive Dashboard programs you want to make sure that you are comparing apples to apples while all the time weeding out the lemons and programs not fit for your work or industry.

3. Real time streaming data is of crucial importance when making split second decisions in any business. How often will your chosen program update? Can you increase or decrease this rate as needed? How much data can be displayed at one time?

4. Most executive dashboard programs use sharp looking interface graphics to convey data. Does the program you are looking at meet the criteria of being " easy of the eyes"? Are the graphics well thought out and do they instantly convey the information you need at any one moment?

5. Flexibility is the key to the best of executive dashboards. Are you able to customize the views and reporting data so that each person accessing the system gets just what they need or just what you want them to have access to. Most executive dashboards use a web-based interface so security is another issues. Compare how this is handled from program to program.

6. For those not directly using the executive dashboard you will want effective print and report functions so that current status issues can be reviewed by all who need the data in hard copy form. Get samples and see how they compare to the graphics and resolution of the online display.

7. Above all else make sure to look at multiple programs in all price categories before making a decision. Executive dashboards can be the life line to a thriving business so you want to make the right choice not only for yourself but for the long term health of your company.

Tips & Warnings

• Access executive dashboards through multiple types of computers and web based programs to see if there are any differences in visual content or postings.

• Check for Mac/PC usage issues.

• Remember, apples to apples. Even go so far as to make a list as to help you break down the functions that are most important to your company to make sure you are not being swayed by pretty graphics at the expense of quality data output.