Account management dashboards are visual tools that help you monitor and improve the performance of your accounts. They can help you track key metrics and KPIs, identify trends and issues, and communicate value to your clients. But how do you design effective account management dashboards that suit your goals and needs? Here are some tips to help you get started.
Before you start designing your dashboard, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with it. What are the main questions you want to answer? What are the most important metrics and KPIs for your accounts? How do you measure success and progress? How do you align your dashboard with your account strategy and plan? Defining your objectives will help you focus on the relevant data and avoid cluttering your dashboard with unnecessary information.
Absolutely agree that defining objectives is step one. When I design dashboards using Microsoft BI and Tableau, I aim to: 1. Answer Questions: Like "What's the current revenue?" or "How engaged is the account?" 3. Highlight KPIs: Focus on metrics like client engagement and lifetime value. 3. Measure Success: Through quarterly targets or specific action items. 4. Align Strategy: Ensure the dashboard reflects account management plans, e.g., customer retention or upselling. Defining clear objectives eliminates clutter and keeps the focus on actionable insights. #DashboardDesign #BusinessIntelligence #MicrosoftBI #Tableau #KPIs #AccountManagement #DataDrivenDecisions
Your dashboard should serve to understand the progress toward the goal at a glance. The right tools will allow you to drill into important details, but initially you should design a dashboard that can quickly summarize: - account revenue - account risk - account opportunity or white space - next steps - open tasks - overdue tasks While objectives should help you focus, as an account manager your purpose is to keep and grow accounts. Therefore your dashboard should primarily serve to guide you in your retention and expansion efforts.
Next, you need to decide where you will get the data for your dashboard. Depending on your objectives, you may need to use different data sources, such as CRM, analytics, surveys, feedback, billing, or support systems. You also need to consider how often you will update your data, and how you will ensure its accuracy and consistency. You may need to integrate your data sources, or use a dashboard software that can connect to multiple platforms and automate data collection.
In my work with dental practice transitions, data integrity is paramount. My go-to sources are: 1. CRM: For tracking client interactions and sales. 2. Billing Systems: To monitor revenue and accounts receivable. 3. Feedback Surveys: For client satisfaction and areas of improvement. 4. Analytics: Using Microsoft BI and Tableau for real-time dashboards for forecasting pro-forma analysis and cash flow based on past sales history and valuation data. I ensure accuracy by automating the cross-referencing data weekly and use both Microsoft BI and Tableau for robust integration depending on the need necessary. #DentalPracticeTransitions #MicrosoftBI #Tableau #CRM #DataSources
Once you have your data sources, you need to choose how you will present your data on your dashboard. You can use various visual elements, such as charts, graphs, tables, gauges, maps, or icons, to display your data in a clear and engaging way. However, you should avoid using too many or too complex visual elements, as they can make your dashboard confusing or overwhelming. You should also use consistent colors, fonts, and styles, and label your visual elements clearly and accurately.
In my analytics work for dental practice transitions, staying on the cutting edge is key. Here's what I employ: 1. Bubble Maps: For geographical revenue distribution. 2. Dynamic Charts: To allow interactive data exploration. 3. Heat Maps: For client activity hotspots. 4. Trend Lines: To predict future performance. Using Microsoft BI and Tableau, I aim for a modern, sleek design, incorporating only the most impactful visual elements. #DataVisualization #BubbleMaps #HeatMaps #TrendyDashboards #MicrosoftBI #Tableau #DentalPracticeTransitions
The next step is to organize your dashboard layout, or how you will arrange your visual elements on your screen. You should aim for a simple and intuitive layout that allows your users to easily find and understand the information they need. You can use grids, sections, or tabs to group your visual elements by theme, priority, or function. You can also use filters, menus, or buttons to enable your users to customize or interact with your dashboard.
The final step is to test and refine your dashboard, or how you will ensure that your dashboard meets your objectives and satisfies your users. You should test your dashboard with different devices, browsers, and screen sizes, and check for any errors or glitches. You should also solicit feedback from your users, such as your account managers, clients, or stakeholders, and ask them about their experience and expectations. You should use their feedback to improve your dashboard design and functionality.
The more automated you can make the data source sync and updates, the less work you'll have in order to see real-time progress in your dashboard and reporting. Focus on automating accurate data pipelines. This will ensure your dashboard is a tool and does not create more busy work that does not serve to keep and grow your clients.