What Is an Executive Dashboard?

Companies deploy a management information system (MIS) to collect raw data from corporate computers, analyze it and deliver it to managers as an information tool to help them make decisions. The executive dashboard is an integral part of the MIS.

Identification

• An executive dashboard is a computer-based graphical user interface (GUI) that organizes and presents MIS information to managers in an easy-to-read and easy-to-use format. The dashboard is software which is either bundled with the MIS software package or purchased as an independent package and linked to the corporate MIS.

Function

• The MIS offers managers many decision and analytical support tools. Using the dashboard, managers can access and use these tools to analyze data, run projections and carve out useful decision-making value.

Features

• Typical features of an executive dashboard include an intuitive and customizable GUI, information that is constantly updated with real-time information and simultaneous access to information from multiple sources or departments. Managers need little to no training to use the system.