Monthly KPI dashboard

What the monthly kpi dashboard does

What gets measured gets managed. List the handful of numbers that matter to your business, such as sales, new customers, gross margin and debtor days, give each a target, then type each month's actual. The dashboard shows the yearly average for each and how it compares with the target, and counts how many KPIs are on or above target.

Who it is for

Business owners and managers who review the same numbers every month, and finance staff who prepare a monthly pack for the board or the bank.

How to use the workbook

1. List your KPIs with their units and monthly targets.
2. Each month, type the actual figure in that month's column.
3. Read the average and the percentage of target.
4. Discuss the KPIs that are behind in your monthly review.
5. Save a copy under a new name for each month or year, so earlier records stay as they were.

What is inside

• Up to 25 KPIs with a target for each
• Twelve monthly columns
• Average and percentage of target
• Count of KPIs at or above target
• Example KPIs for a trading business

The workbook has these sheets: Instructions, KPIs. The main table has the columns KPI; Unit; Target; Jan; Feb; Mar; Apr; May. Yellow cells are for you to fill in and grey cells calculate by themselves, so leave the grey cells alone. The example rows show how it works; type over them with your own entries.

Tips for getting it right

• Choose five to ten KPIs; more becomes noise.
• Define each KPI precisely so the figure means the same thing each month.
• Use leading indicators as well as results.
• Keep each year's dashboard for comparison.

Why keep this record

Running a business on memory works until it grows. Writing the numbers down turns opinions into facts you can compare month to month, and shows early which products, customers or costs deserve attention. Even a simple workbook, used every week, usually beats a sophisticated one that is opened once a year.

Questions people ask

Do I need to know Excel formulas? No. Type into the yellow cells and the rest is worked out for you. The formulas are visible if you want to see how a figure is reached.

Can I add rows or change the layout? You can add your own columns to the right and your own notes. If you insert rows inside a table, copy the grey formula cells down so the new rows calculate too.

Will it work on my phone or in Google Sheets? Yes for viewing and typing, but dropdown lists and the charts look best in desktop Excel or LibreOffice.

Keeping it safe and up to date

A plan is only as good as the numbers you put in. Start with honest estimates, update the workbook as real figures arrive, and compare the two so your next estimate is better. Save a dated copy each month so you can see how your thinking changed.

Read how to build a cash flow forecast for the wider picture. See more business templates or ask us for a custom one.

The workbook works in Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice and Google Sheets. It is a tool to help you work out and record figures, not tax, legal or accounting advice, and it is not affiliated with the Kenya Revenue Authority. If something does not work as described, contact us and we will put it right.

Related guides, calculators and templates

• Guide: How to build a 12-month cash flow forecast for a small business
• Guide: How to price your products and services: markup, margin and break-even
• Guide: Turnover tax for small businesses in Kenya: rate, limits and when to use it
• Another template: 12-month cash flow forecast
• Another template: Break-even and pricing calculator
• Another template: Budget versus actual tracker

Need something different? Request a custom template, browse all guides or see every Excel template.