Data is not just power; it's the lifeblood of a business. Centralized systems serve as a "single source of truth." This blog post delves into the art of creating a Core App Dashboard.
What is the Core App Dashboard?
At its core, this is a centralized system dashboard that enables businesses to gather data from multiple sources and present it in a single location. Think of it as a customizable home screen that displays the most relevant information to businesses. It provides single-touch access to all the apps in one convenient location, allowing businesses to personalize every part of their app drawer.
Simply put, it is a dashboard for all core apps of businesses. This is a place where all departments can use a single source tool that allows them to build dashboards for all essential applications. It lets businesses manage their apps effectively, monitor app-related data, and optimize their performances while keeping them up-to-date with the latest firmware and security updates.
A core app dashboard is a central interface providing a snapshot of essential information and tools, streamlining access to key features, data, and functionalities, facilitating efficient navigation and decision-making within an application.
Benefits of having a dashboard for core apps
1. All the data in one place
As a central hub that allows users to manage their core apps, this customizable home screen displays all the relevant information in one place. The main advantage of having all the data in one place is improved data accuracy because it means less chance of data duplication or errors.
Another advantage is reduced time spent on data collection as users don't have to manually collect data from various sources. Easier analysis is a benefit of having all data in one place, too.
2. Easy access to information
For any organization to make educated decisions and maintain market competitiveness, easy access to information is essential. The dashboard gathers all pertinent data in one location and makes it easily accessible.
Aside from saving time and improving decision-making, it also boosts productivity, enhances collaboration, and improves customer satisfaction.
3. Quick data analysis and decisions
Businesses must quickly analyze data and reach informed judgments in today's data-driven environment in order to remain competitive. The dashboard consisting of core apps is an ideal tool for this purpose, as it offers several benefits for quick data analysis. Here are some of the benefits of having such a dashboard:
- Real-time data updates
- Customizable charts and graphs
- Drill-down capabilities
We'll buid your first application for you. At no extra cost.
Let us build your first business application for free. Go from an idea to an application in under 2 weeks.
4. Customization for different users
Customization is a key feature that allows users to tailor their dashboard to their specific requirements. This is especially important for businesses, as different users have different roles and responsibilities, so they require different information to be displayed on the dashboard. The following are some ways in which customization can benefit businesses:
- Improved productivity
- Increased visibility
- Better decision-making
- Enhanced collaboration
- Flexibility
5. Monitoring progress and performance
Any company must keep track of its progress in order to spot trends, patterns, and potential improvement areas. With the help of a dashboard that integrates all the core applications, progress tracking becomes easy and efficient. Below are some specific benefits of using such a dashboard for progress tracking:
- Identifying trends and patterns
- Tracking KPIs
- Providing insights into performance over time
- Plenty of customization options
6. Keeping everyone on the same page
As a home page, your dashboard provides an overview of key performance indicators, business metrics, and actionable items in configurable widgets. So, it makes sure everyone is on the same page.
Its goal is to give users all the information they require about their projects, businesses, workers, and clients. The items are prioritized while the elements are displayed according to each user's position within the organization.
7. Identifying areas for improvement
Companies use dashboards to monitor their performance and spot areas for development. Real-time insights on important variables like sales, customer happiness, and employee efficiency are available to businesses. Users can monitor a wide range of metrics, including:
- Accounts Receivable (AR)
- Cash Flow
- Project Performance
- Time and Expense Tracking
- Profit and Loss
- Customer Satisfaction
- Employee Productivity
Businesses can monitor these data and spot places where they are falling short of their objectives or where there are process bottlenecks. For example, if the dashboard indicates that staff productivity has fallen, the company can look into the reason why and take appropriate action.
8. Creating a visual representation of the business
In modern business, having a company dashboard is of great importance because it provides a comprehensive overview of key performance indicators, business metrics, and actionable items in configurable widgets. That can make it easier to understand and analyze data. Here are some of the benefits of having a dashboard for this purpose:
- Prioritizes all items
- Provides critical analysis
- Helps to identify the best performers
- Displays financial data
- Provides a visual representation of data
9. Reduced confusion
Confusion can seriously hamper the ability to operate efficiently. It may result in misunderstandings, holdups, and mistakes, which would ultimately reduce the organization's overall effectiveness. A centralized system dashboard can reduce confusion in your business and provide clear data visualization, real-time updates, and customizable views.
10. Effective maintenance of systems
The centralized dashboard provides real-time monitoring of all your apps, allowing you to quickly identify any issues that may arise. For example, if your website crashes, the dashboard will immediately alert you.
If you have multiple apps that require different login credentials, the dashboard allows you to store all the credentials in one place. On top of this, the dashboard also provides customizable alerts that notify you when specific events occur.
Core App Dashboard - Business Performance Dashboard Examples
1. Sales Dashboard
A sales dashboard provides an overview of the sales performance. It aids in tracking and analyzing sales trends, targets, and goals. If you want to create a sales dashboard, follow these steps:
- Log in to the platform and adding a new dashboard.
- Name your dashboard “Sales Dashboard” and select the “Sales” category.
- Add the following components to your dashboard: sales revenue, customer acquisition, conversion rates, and sales goals.
- Add filters and set up alerts to customize your dashboard
- Make sure your data is accurate and up-to-date.
- Save your dashboard and share it with your sales team
2. Invoices Dashboard
An invoice dashboard plays a vital role in understanding the financial health of a company. It offers a thorough review of the most important measurements, indicators, and practical information regarding billing and invoicing. The essential elements that must be present on an invoices dashboard are listed below:
- Total Revenue
- Invoice Aging
- Payment Status
Also, consider creating an invoice aging dashboard. It involves viewing overdue invoices, tracking payment history, and identifying trends in payment delays. Here are some tips and best practices for using the invoice aging dashboard effectively:
- Set up automatic alerts for overdue invoices
- Use the data to inform collections strategies
- Compare A/R balances to monthly billings
- Monitor cash flow
3. Project Dashboard
Project dashboards alow the monitoring development and maintaining team cohesion. Follow these steps to create a project dashboard that will integrate all of your core apps:
- Choose the right metrics: These metrics should align with your business goals and objectives.
- Organize the dashboard: Once you've identified the metrics, organize the dashboard in a way that suits your business.
- Customize the dashboard: Choose the specific data to display, rename widgets, and apply filters to the data.
- Share the dashboard: When sharing the dashboard with other team members, set permissions to control who can make changes.
4. Expenses Dashboard
Expenses dashboards are intended to help business owners and managers identify areas where cost-saving measures can be implemented. If you're looking to design an effective dashboard for this purpose, follow these steps:
- Organize expenses by categories such as marketing, office supplies, and travel.
- Include a widget that shows how much has been spent for each category.
- Use a line chart to display expense trends over time.
- Incorporate a pie chart that shows the distribution of expenses across different categories.
- Use color coding and other visual cues to make it easy to understand the data at a glance.
5. Employee Activity Dashboard
Ineffective employee behavior may result in poorer productivity, less satisfied customers, and eventually, lower revenue. That's why businesses should create an employee activity dashboard with their core apps that let them monitor staff productivity, attendance, task completion rates, and other variables using this dashboard. These elements can be utilized to pinpoint problem areas and monitor staff performance.
6. Timekeepers Dashboard
To make sure the data is easily digestible, the organize the dashboard in an ordered list that includes the following features and metrics:
- Time and Expense Entry Summary
- Timesheet Approval Status
- Project Summary
- Expense Summary
Laid out the dashboard as an ordered list with distinct headings and subheadings for each widget in order to make this data simple to understand. Also, present the information in a way that is aesthetically appealing, like graphs or charts. It should have color coding to draw attention to any areas that need improvement.
7. Client Dashboard
Creating a client dashboard involves several essential features, such as client information, project milestones, progress updates, and financial information. The goal is to improve communication and transparency with clients.
To structure the client dashboard, start with a summary of the project's status and add detailed information on the project's progress. Make sure the dashboard is updated regularly to reflect any changes in the project's status.
8. Project Milestones Dashboard
For businesses, keeping track of project milestones ensures that projects are finished on schedule, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Key features of the Project Milestones Dashboard include:
- Setting and Tracking Milestones
- Viewing Progress and Timelines
- Assigning Responsibilities
The Project Milestones Dashboard aids companies in achieving their objectives by offering a clear perspective of project milestones. It solves the problem of tracking and managing project milestones.
What should be tracked in the dashboard?
1. Business Metrics
Tracking these metrics in a single source of truth system dashboard can provide valuable insights into the company's operations. Listed below are some essential business metrics that can be tracked:
- Revenue: This indicator shows the total revenue the business made during a given time frame. It is a crucial performance indicator that may be used to spot patterns and project growth in the future.
- Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): CAC is the cost that the company incurres to acquire a new customer. It includes all marketing and sales expenses and is an important metric for evaluating the effectiveness of the company's sales and marketing strategies.
- Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): CLV is the total revenue a customer is expected to generate for the company over their lifetime. It allows you to get a better understanding of the value of each customer. Many companies use it when making decisions regarding customer retention and acquisition.
- Conversion Rate: This metric calculates the proportion of website visitors who engage in a certain action, like completing a purchase or submitting a form. It is a crucial indicator for assessing the success of the website and marketing initiatives.
- Churn Rate: The churn rate represents the percentage of customers who stop using the products or services over a given period.
| Revenue | Customer Acquisition | Profitability | Customer Satisfaction |
| Sales growth | Cost per acquisition | Gross profit margin | Net Promoter Score (NPS) |
| The average revenue per customer | Conversion rate | Operating profit margin | Customer retention rate |
| Revenue by product/service | Customer lifetime value (CLTV) | Net profit margin | Customer complaints |
| Revenue by geographic region | Customer Churn Rate | Return on investment (ROI) | Customer feedback ratings |
2. Accounts
The following are the types of accounts that you should track in the dashboard:
- Customer accounts: Any company needs customer accounts since they serve as sources of income. Keep track of account balances, payment history, and contact details in the dashboard.
- Vendor accounts: They represent expenses incurred by the business. In the dashboard, track account balances, payment history, and contact information.
- Employee accounts: They are necessary for managing payroll and benefits. In the dashboard, you can track employee information like contact details, salary, and benefits.
3. Employee Activity
Include an unordered list of the different widgets available in the app that can track employee activity, such as:
- Time and Expense User (timekeeper)
- Project Manager
- Billing User (accountant or biller)
- Principal/Partner (owner of the company)
Describe each category in detail, highlighting the different metrics and methods used to track key information.
4. Appointments
Every organization must track appointment metrics since they are a critical component of successful business management. The following are some crucial parameters for appointments that need to be monitored:
- Number of appointments scheduled
- Number of no-shows
- Average time to schedule an appointment
- The average duration of appointments
Find areas for improvement and streamline appointment scheduling procedures, and monitor these KPIs. For example, a high percentage of no-shows may lead to lost revenue possibilities and resource waste. On the other hand, a protracted wait time for making appointments can result in irate clients and diminished sales.
5. Payments
There are a few payment metrics that you need to track in the dashboard, including total revenue, average transaction value, payment method breakdown, and chargeback rate. Let's shed some light on each of them:
- Total revenue is an important metric as it provides an overview of the business's financial performance. Businesses can monitor revenue over time and spot trends and decide on pricing, promotions, and marketing tactics.
- Average transaction value is another key metric to track as it provides insight into customer behavior. Businesses use this data to optimize their pricing strategies and find cross-selling and up-selling opportunities.
- Payment method breakdown helps businesses understand how their customers prefer to pay. The most common payment methods can be accepted by optimizing the checkout process and using this information.
- The chargeback rate is another essential metric to track as it measures the number of disputed transactions. High chargeback rates can indicate issues with fraud or customer dissatisfaction.
6. Expenses
Expenses that you should track in the dashboard include:
- Accounts Receivable: This widget shows the month-to-month accounts receivable balances for the previous 12 months and unpaid invoices divided into defined periods depending on the invoice date or the due date within the given date range.
- Cash Flow: It shows all cash payments received including retainer payments, but broken into defined periods within the specified date range.
- Billing: It shows all the billing done by the company without considering the retainer amount used, broken into defined periods within the specified date range.
7. Invoices
The following are the two most common metrics that are tracked for invoices on the dashboard:
- Number of Invoices Paid on Time: This measure records the ratio of timely paid invoices to those paid after the due date. It can assist organizations in identifying clients who routinely make payments later and in taking the necessary steps to lessen the impact on their cash flow.
- Average Time to Payment: The average time it takes to pay an invoice is captured by this metric. Businesses that use it can identify their invoicing process's bottlenecks and take actions to make it more efficient. This results in quicker payments and better cash flow as well.
In addition to these metrics, the invoices component should offer several customization options like the ability to filter by date range, customer, and payment status. The more metrics, the better.
8. Project Profitability
In order to track project profitability in your dashboard, consider the following key metrics:
- Project Revenue
- Project Expenses (labor, materials, and any other expenses incurred)
- Profit Margin: To calculate the profit margin, divide the profit by the revenue and multiply by 100.
- Return on Investment (ROI): It measures the amount of profit generated in relation to the initial investment made in a project. To calculate ROI, divide the profit by the initial investment and multiply by 100.
Each of these metrics plays a role in determining project profitability. If project expenses are high, it could indicate inefficiencies in the project that need to be addressed. As for profit margin and ROI, they provide insight into the overall success of the project.
9. Project Submissions
Here are the key components that should be included in the project submissions section of your dashboard:
- Project Name: Make sure it's clearly displayed along with any relevant info like the project owner and deadline.
- Project Status: This could include whether the project is in progress, has been completed, or is on hold.
- Assigned Team Members: List the people assigned to each project, along with their roles and responsibilities.
- Project Description: A brief description of the project needs to be included, outlining the goals of the project.
- Project Timeline: Establish it for each project, outlining key milestones and deadlines.
- Project Budget: Make sure it's clearly defined, including any resources or materials needed for completion.
- Project Feedback: Feedback in the dashboard allows team members to review and address any problems that arise
10. Project Status
Effective decision-making requires accurate and up-to-date information on the status of ongoing projects. That being said, be sure to cover the following key points:
- The Project Status section displays a list of all ongoing projects in the company. This allows users to quickly identify which projects are on track and which ones may require additional attention.
- Each project is color-coded based on its status. That makes it easy to identify projects that are behind schedule or at risk of missing their deadlines.
- The Project Status section displays key metrics for each project, such as budget, timeline, and resource allocation. This lets users quickly identify any areas that may require additional resources or attention.
- The users drill down into each project to view more detailed information like task lists, timelines, and resource allocations. Thus, they will be able to identify specific tasks or resources that may be causing delays or issues.
- The users create and track milestones for each project. This provides a clear roadmap for each project.
11. Project Scope
A well-defined project scope can make sure the dashboard displays relevant information that aligns with your business goals. Here are the key metrics and KPIs that you should track:
- Accounts Receivable - This widget displays the total amount of money owed to your company by clients and customers.
- Cash Flow - It shows the cash being generated in the company on a monthly basis for the last 12 months.
- Billing - It represents the total billed amount on a monthly basis for the last 12 months.
- Aging - The age of your accounts receivable indicates how long it has been since the invoice was issued.
- Employee Performance - It needs to include productivity, attendance, and other key metrics of your employees.
- Customer Satisfaction - This represents the satisfaction level of your customers, based on feedback and reviews.
12. Performance Indicators
For organizations to make educated decisions, tracking performance metrics is essential. To gauge business performance, the dashboard needs to display a number of performance metrics.
These metrics include revenue growth, cost of client acquisition, rate of customer retention, NPS, employee engagement, and website traffic. To guarantee the success of the firm, it is crucial to periodically monitor and analyze key performance indicators.
13. Project Tasks
Last but not least, your dashboard should provide a comprehensive solution for tracking project tasks to help you make sure projects are completed on time. Here are some of the project tasks that you should track in the dashboard:
- Task Descriptions - Include a precise and succinct description of each task's requirements. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps team members understand their roles.
- Assigned Team Members - To establish accountability and prevent confusion, assign each task to a single team member. Team members may more efficiently manage their workload and set priorities thanks to this.
- Due Dates - Setting deadlines for each activity makes it easier to accomplish projects on schedule. As a result, team members can properly organize their workloads and manage their time.
- Task Status Updates - Regular task updates don't only help team members stay informed, but they also help them make informed decisions. It identifies any potential roadblocks or delays and allows for timely course correction.
How to build a dashboard for all your core apps
Step 1: Define your business goals and purpose
Defining the purpose of your dashboard is of crucial importance to ensure that it meets your goals. Business goals may include everything from increasing revenue and improving customer satisfaction to expanding your reach. Have a clear idea of the metrics to be monitored like sales numbers, user engagement, or website traffic. Plus, know who will be accessing and using the dashboard - managers, employees, or customers.
Step 2: Identify data requirements
Accurately identify the data required for the dashboard. There are several considerations to keep in mind, including user roles, data sources, and types of data. For example, there could be numerical data, text-based data, or visual data. Be sure to consider the different user roles that will be using the apps. Also, determine where the data will be coming from and how it will be collected.
Step 3: Customize the dashboard
For a successful customization process, choose the widgets that are most relevant to your business needs. Also, arrange widgets in a logical order that makes sense for your business to quickly and easily find the information you need. Once you have configured widget settings, customize the dashboard to reflect the unique needs and priorities of your business. Make sure it's tailored to your business goals.
Step 4: Monitor usage trends
The last step involves monitoring usage trends. Select the app or data you wish to monitor and go to the "Analytics" tab within the dashboard. Choose a specific date range or select the predefined options such as last week, last month, or last year. Analyze the metrics to gain insights into user behavior and identify areas that need improvement. In addition, use the push notification feature to communicate with your users.
Conclusion
Core App Dashboard serves as that single source of truth, offering a robust solution for organizations seeking clarity, efficiency, and reliability in their data management. A relational database like Kohezion can enhance data integrity and flexibility within the dashboard, making it the backbone of a seamless, well-organized system. It simplifies connections between data elements and enhancing the depth of insights drawn from your information. The result? A dashboard that promotes not just data visualization, but data understanding.
Start building with a free account
Frequently Asked Questions
Some popular widgets include Accounts Receivable, Cash Flow, and Time and Expense User (timekeeper). These widgets, along with other apps available in the dashboard, provide users with a comprehensive overview of their business metrics and performance indicators.
Choose the widget you want to add or remove. To rearrange widgets, tap and hold on the widget you want to move. Then drag it to the desired location on the screen. If you want to change the layout, tap and hold on an empty area of the home screen. You should also be able to change the color scheme.
There are several metrics that you should track to optimize app performance and improve overall efficiency. These metrics include RAM Usage, CPU Usage, App Launch Time, and Crash Rate.
Open the dashboard on your device and click on the "Updates" tab to see the latest updates available. Choose the update you want to install. Wait for the update to download and install. Once the update is installed, you can access the new features. Some updates may require you to restart your device.
It involves adding, editing, and deleting devices. You can also assign multiple labels to a single device for more efficient organization. In order to optimize the functionality of your dashboard, organize devices and labels effectively. Group devices by location or function like separating devices used in the office from those used in the field.
After opening the dashboard and accessing the customizable home screen, arrange the charts and apps in the desired layout by dragging and dropping them into place. Once satisfied with the layout, click on the "Save" button. A prompt will appear asking the user to confirm the changes, and once confirmed, the layout will be saved.
