What makes for an effective online dashboard? Many different online dashboard designs, setups, and configurations are available. But what things should be front of mind if you’re looking for the best online dashboard for your business?
An online dashboard is a virtual, interactive analysis solution your business can use to track and monitor performance via quality key performance indicators (KPIs). Using the right dashboard will give your company critical insights for ongoing growth.
Here’s a look at three things to look for in the online dashboard solution your company needs.
1. Focus on Getting the Right Design
While judging a book by its cover is usually not a good idea, there are exceptions to this general rule. Buying an online dashboard with a poor or less-than-optimal user interface won’t work. An online dashboard with a good design will do the following:
- Offer information in different presentation styles like tables, numbers, and charts
- Show the essential data your business is looking for
- Provide intuitive ways to access different sections of the application easily
- Offer a streamlined and uncluttered look that makes for easy navigation
So, don’t underestimate the importance of finding an online dashboard solution with a great design. It’s one instance where you can judge a book by its cover without getting burned.
2. Get the Right Type for Your Business
You’re mistaken if you believe one online dashboard is necessarily as good as another. To get the right online dashboard, you need to know what your company needs and the types of solutions. Online dashboards can be analytical, operational, tactical, strategic, and more. When you buy the right solution, you can get options for multiple dashboard display types. For example, that’ll help if you want to switch between an analytical and an operational. Do your research and ask the right questions so you can make an informed decision.
3. Choose the Right Charts
When it comes to getting the right online dashboard, you also need to consider the types of charts offered. Different charts will display different data better than others. Here’s a look at some charts:
Line Charts: Line charts are good at displaying data patterns you may want to see to facilitate accurate decision-making. One significant advantage of line charts is that they can easily transmit information to users.
Tables: Tables are good at showing substantial amounts of information. Even so, it’s still best to err on the side of caution since you don’t want to overload users’ senses with too much data. It can become too much to digest if there’s too much information in the tables.
Histograms: Are you in a line of business where it’s helpful to compare information from the same category? If so, find an online dashboard solution that allows for the use of histograms.
Pie Charts: Pie charts are another option. One tip if you go this route is to ensure that the pie charts are labeled properly so that users can easily distinguish the size of each section of the pie chart in relation to the other parts. Otherwise, pie charts can be challenging to grasp for some.
Fortunately, there are various online dashboard solutions out there. But, as was mentioned previously, one option isn’t necessarily as good as another. When doing research and putting together a shortlist of candidates, ensure you focus on vendors offering easy-to-use and interactive online dashboards. And don’t sign on the dotted line before utilizing a free trial to test things out. It’s well worth your while to invest in finding the right online dashboard for your business.
