A dashboard brings together indicators, numerical measures that assess the degree of achievement of objectives. Some indicators have strategic importance; these are known as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Dashboards are created and used either at the department level, as part of reporting, or at the company-wide level, as part of strategic management. In the latter case, they are referred to as strategic dashboards.
They help to address two limitations of accounting: the lag between information and action and the narrow focus on financial data.
Dashboards are very flexible because there is no legal obligation to implement them. However, this freedom can sometimes create challenges.
