DM Review

Kent Bauer

In past columns, we have explored the definitions, basic concepts and themes of both corporate performance management (CPM) and Six Sigma. We will now shift the focus back to the CPM dashboard. Over the next several columns, we will discuss specific dashboard design considerations and components, and how Six Sigma can streamline the dashboard development effort. You may recall that in my first column (June 2003 issue of DM Review), we defined the CPM dashboard as a customized graphical interface that delivers mission- critical information on a real-time basis to business decision-makers via a variety of visuals, including gauges, alerts, charts, tables and spreadsheets. Keep in mind, however, that CPM dashboards can only be effective if the metrics they capture are aligned with enterprise goals, strategies and objectives, and are proactively leveraged to optimize enterprise-wide decision making and collaboration.