Dashboards that trigger decisions instead of just informing

Most dashboards are pretty and useless. They show plenty of numbers but trigger not a single action. You can tell a good dashboard not by the number of charts, but by the fact that it leads to decisions. Dashboards that trigger decisions follow a few simple principles.

Information is not the same as action

A dashboard that only informs, at best, reassures. One that leads to action answers a concrete question: what do I need to do right now? The difference lies not in the technology, but in the selection. Every number on the dashboard should suggest a possible action.

If you look at a metric and don't know what you would do with it when push comes to shove, it doesn't belong on the dashboard.

What makes a dashboard action-oriented

• Few, clear numbers: five relevant ones beat thirty decorative ones.
• Show deviations: not just the current state, but what differs from the norm.
• Suggest action: stalled deals, overdue tasks, missing activity.
• Built for the role: management needs different numbers than the salesperson.

A good dashboard doesn't answer the question "How are things going?", but "What should I do next?"

An example

A sales manager had a dashboard full of colourful charts that nobody used. He cut it down to three things: new leads, stalled deals and overdue tasks. Suddenly it was clear every morning where action was needed, and the team acted accordingly.

From displaying to acting

A dashboard only unfolds its value once it's seamlessly connected to the work. A CRM in which the numbers lead directly to the deals concerned turns information into action.

Advanzo helps you do exactly that: an AI-powered, deliberately simple CRM for Swiss SMEs with data hosted in Switzerland, built on the principle of "remove friction instead of adding it". "Deal scoring" and clear overviews show you not just numbers, but the next step. You can start for free, no credit card.