developing an executive dashboard for the ipad
DESCRIPTION
iPads are popping up everywhere. Now the focus is shifting to HOW do I get useful information onto the device. This presentation covers one process - developing key dashboard reporting for the iPad. A sample dashboard report is highlighted, using Panera Bread as an example. BI is a BIG opportunity!TRANSCRIPT
iPad Consulting
iPad - Executive Dashboard Development
iPad Consulting
Why Dashboards?
Typical Business Challenges Disparate processes Poor visibility into information and key
metrics Lack of consistent reporting among
executives monitoring business Technology challenge – multiple
systems/platforms that generate reporting information
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Why Dashboards?
Well designed executive dashboards can help you monitor business performance and key metrics
Eliminates the “clutter” from financial reports, enabling an executive or management team to quickly keep a pulse on the business
Enables easy report view and standardization of management information, simplifying report digestion
Easy to distribute across multiple platforms –iPad is ideal due to interface
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iPad Considerations
Planning is important! Dashboard reporting should be customized
for screen size Navigation considerations – should be tap
driven Bigger fonts and larger objects are preferred Less is More – key metrics and data. Resist
the urge to include everything!
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MS Office For Executive Dashboards?
Numerous applications exist to simplify creation of dashboards – determining which is best for your purpose is cumbersome
Microsoft Office provides great tools for developing and reporting beautifully presented dashboard information – AND already available
Techniques needed to create quality dashboard are straight forward and relatively easy to use. However, they may not be obvious
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MS Office For Executive Dashboards?
If you are reasonable proficient in using Excel and Powerpoint, you can develop a sophisticated model fairly quickly
The opportunities to leverage this capability will expand as you work through the process – very flexible
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Getting Started – Steps to Success
Identify project Define goals and key metrics
Operational reporting, as well as summary reporting
Build model, review, and refine Distribution and user adoption Model maintenance and keeping content
current
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Identify Project
Determine data to include in dashboard reporting? Start simple; create executive “buy-in”
Identify audience and key users of dashboard?
Identify parties responsible for maintaining and refining dashboards going forward
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Define Goals and Key Metrics
Visualize the project A brain storming session is great for this
Determine what you want to measure Short-term metrics to monitor business? Longer term metrics for strategic business
analysis?
What processes need to be put in place? Information flow to streamline effort This can be a time consuming effort
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Build Model, Review, and Refine
Dashboards DO require upfront time to setup, but, if properly built, require little time to maintain and use long term
Leverage Excel’s advanced capabilities to streamline the data and chart updating Data input in Table format PivotTables to simplify chart data development Macros to streamline worksheet updating and
navigation Automate dashboard “printing” – directly to PDF,
etc.
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Build Model, Review, and Refine
Powerpoint is useful to provide flexibility in sizing objects and properly arranging and formatting on a page. Objects should be linked from Excel and navigation hyperlinks included for easy iPad use
“Publish” to PDF. Make sure that links “stick” in final documents
Review and test process – mistakes can happen!
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Dashboard Distribution and User Adoption
Set up a seamless distribution process – cloud file synchronization services are perfect for this
On mobile platform, user should access files directly from the device GoodReader app works well and we highly
recommend! Educate users – accessing reports, navigation
and annotation capabilities User adoption will be greater if it is SIMPLE!
Ease of use is very important
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Case Study – Panera Bread Co.
Public company – data is largely pulled directly from the internet (Yahoo, Google Finance, MSN Money). Web queries can be used to simplify.
Key company financial data is accumulated and entered into an Excel spreadsheet - pivot tables, charts, macros, etc. help simplify ongoing maintenance effort
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Case Study – Panera Bread Co.
Formatting is next - develop objects for Dashboard report Take the time to do this right – it will save you
hours each month on maintaining the effort!
Sample report images are on following pages. Report is comprehensive and updating is easy
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Case Study – PNRA (Report Pages)
Touch navigation
buttons
Report date updates
automatically based on when
report is generated
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Case Study – PNRA (Report Pages)Button format
changes based on
current screen – easy to identify!
Website links open up directly in browser – tap
to access
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Case Study – PNRA (Report Pages)
Highlights key SEC filings for quick access – list ALWAYS current
Links open up document directly – easy to navigate, etc. – see slide 15.
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Case Study – PNRA (Report Pages)Hyperlinked Table of Contents – just tap to navigate to desired section
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Case Study – PNRA (Report Pages)
Flexible navigation menu – in this case, when “Financials” are selected, the top navigation menu changes.
Charts easily accommodated – updating is automatic as underlying data changes
Additional navigation buttons provide more flexibility
iPad Consulting
Case Study – PNRA (Report Pages)
Rolling data (Table and Chart) updates automatically as underlying Excel spreadsheet changes.
iPad Consulting
Case Study – PNRA (Report Pages)
iPad Consulting
Case Study – PNRA (Report Pages)
In this case, direct links to website data is connected to Objects. Tapping object opens up report from PaneraInvestor Relations website.
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Dashboards – Key Considerations
Design and proper development is key! Spend the time up front to do it right.
Distribution to users (Board, executives, management) can be seamless if received on the iPad
Update and Review is essential – mapping errors, etc. may occur.
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Start with a small project to develop and understand process. Executive buy-in will lead to bigger wins and fuller understanding of potential.
Payoff for report users is huge – easy to use, always available, always current!
Dashboards – Key Considerations
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The example reviewed in this presentation was a public company, but there are numerous instances where this process is relevant – Private company monthly reporting – high level report
containing summary information, key metrics, charts, etc. Peer analysis review – easily compare and analyze other
companies that operate in your industry. Identify key performance metrics and compare to your company.
Professional services firms – easily monitor your public company clients and have updated information always at your fingertips!
Asset Management firms – easily monitor performance of key metrics of companies invested in
The potential is significant….
Dashboards – Last Thoughts...
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Don Tomoff, CPA, MBA Principal, Business [email protected]
Thornhill Website (http://www.thornhillcpa.com)
LinkedIn Profile (http://www.linkedin.com/in/dontomoff)
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