Dashboard can be clicked to show the source of their calculations

Description

This functionality on dashboards in Corporate Performance Management (CPM) software enables users to understand how the calculation on the dashboard was derived. This increases transparency by making clear to all users how a specific metric or other calculation was created, and from what source data.

Example Use Case

Scenario: A global organization uses CPM software with dashboard reporting capabilities. The dashboard displays important metrics like gross margin percentage, operating expense ratios, and EBITDA. However, the board wants more transparency in the calculations behind those figures.

Solution: The CPM software provides a feature where clicking on a specific metric on the dashboard brings up the detailed calculation behind it. For instance, clicking on the Gross margin percentage metric displays the revenue and cost of goods sold (COGS) figures from which it was calculated. Users can continue to click through for full COGS detail.

Considerations

Formulas in many tools can be difficult to comprehend, especially if they remain in their original form. The best tools will allow the user to click on the dashboard, show the calculation, and show the formula resolved, separated by its operators. When viewing the calculation, make sure that the tool shows it in a way that users beyond finance can understand. If not, they'll be calling the finance team for explanations, and you'll be no better off than with a convoluted Excel formula.

Questions to Ask a Vendor

• Feature Availability: Does your CPM software provide a click through function to view calculations on dashboards?
• Formula Display: When displaying the formula, will it show us how each part of the formulas is resolved when showing us the full calculation detail?