A dashboard should help someone make a decision.

More visibility is useful only when a person can tell what needs attention and what to do next.

Start with a decision

Write down the question the view should answer. Which enquiries need a response? Which orders are waiting for information? Which stock discrepancies need review? A focused question gives the dashboard a purpose.

Show context with the number

A total without a definition can mislead. Explain the period, status and source behind a metric. Make it clear when the data was last updated and whether anything is missing.

Connect the view to the work

If a figure shows a problem, make the underlying records easy to find. The person responsible should be able to move from the summary to the next action without searching across several systems.

Remove what no one uses

Review the view after the team has worked with it. Keep the information that supports real decisions and remove decorative measures. A smaller dashboard can be more useful when its purpose is clear.