What is meant by Dashboards?
A dashboard is a graphical user interface or display, usually shown on a computer screen, that presents information in a compact and easy-to-understand form. Dashboards are commonly used to present data and metrics from multiple sources or systems in a way that allows users to quickly gain insight and make decisions. They are common in many different fields and industries, including business intelligence, finance, healthcare, IT, and more.
Characteristics of dashboards
- Clear presentation: dashboards are designed to present complex information and data in a clear manner. This is often done through the use of charts, graphs, tables, and other visual elements.
- Real-time data: Many dashboards can display real-time data, allowing users to track current information and trends.
- Customizability: Dashboards are typically customizable, allowing users to choose which data and metrics they want to view. This allows dashboards to be customized to meet specific needs and goals.
- Interactivity: Some dashboards offer interactive features that allow users to interact with the data presented. This can include filtering, sorting, or drilling down into details.
- KPIs (Key Performance Indicators): Dashboards are often designed to highlight key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs are important metrics that help evaluate progress against goals and benchmarks.
- Big picture and details: a good dashboard provides both a big picture and the ability to dive into the details. Users can capture key information at a glance, but also dive deeper into the data as needed.
- Multidimensional data: Dashboards can combine data from multiple sources or domains to provide a comprehensive picture. This is especially useful in enterprise environments where data from sales, marketing, finance, and other departments need to be combined.
Examples of dashboards are many and varied. In a business intelligence context, dashboards can show revenue and profit overviews, inventory levels, customer ratings, or marketing campaign performance. In healthcare, they can display patient data, medical outcomes, and resource utilization. In IT, dashboards can monitor server and network performance. Dashboards are a powerful tool for visualizing data, identifying trends, and making informed decisions.