How do you define kpi and metrics?

KPIs support your strategy and help your teams focus on what's important. Metrics measure the success of everyday business activities that support your KPIs. A key performance indicator (KPI) is a measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a company achieves key business objectives. Organizations use KPIs to evaluate their progress and success in achieving objectives.

What are KPIs? KPIs or key performance indicators are the metrics used to measure fundamental business initiatives, objectives or goals. The keyword in the phrase is “key”, meaning that they have a special or significant meaning. KPIs act as measurable benchmarks with respect to defined objectives. Basically, key performance indicators or KPIs measure performance or progress based on specific business goals and objectives.

A fundamental element to consider is the keyword, which means that they only track what is truly relevant to the company's strategic decisions. When it comes to separating KPIs from metrics, you need to consider what matters most to your business. In short, KPIs must be linked exclusively to goals or objectives in order to exist, and metrics only measure the performance of specific actions or business processes. None of this means that you can't use spreadsheets to view KPI data, but with ClearPoint you save time and improve the information available for decision-making.

KPIs are generally not required externally; they are simply internal measures used by management to evaluate a company's performance. KPIs are an important tool for measuring progress, but they are more likely to be applied if someone is held accountable for tracking and reporting on them. Performance KPIs will help employees measure their impact and how their daily activities, possibly the basis of their role, influence the success of broader organizational objectives. In its simplest form, a KPI is a type of performance measurement that helps you understand the performance of your organization or department.

When you know which KPI will generate the best results, you'll need to select a controller KPI, known as the primary indicator. To help people adopt the use of KPIs and motivate them to change, you'll need to set up a performance management system that's consistent, transparent, and easy to use. If you want to base your business decisions on data, it's vital to understand the difference between KPIs and metrics. Before preparing any KPI report, understand what you or your business partner are trying to achieve.

KPIs can be comprised of a variety of different metrics that give you a complete picture of your or your team's progress toward a goal. When you don't know which activity will generate the best results, you'll need to select an outcome KPI, known as a delay indicator. The definition of a KPI, or key performance indicator, is “a measurable value used to evaluate the success of a person or organization in achieving a goal”. KPIs vary from company to company, and some KPIs will be more suitable for some companies than others.