Dashboard

May 23, 2025
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What is a Dashboard?

A dashboard is a visual display of key project information, such as progress, performance metrics, and upcoming tasks. It gathers data from multiple sources and presents it in a simple, easy-to-read layout. Project managers and team members use dashboards to monitor real-time updates, track deadlines, and assess overall status. This tool helps ensure transparency and supports quick, informed decision-making throughout a project’s lifecycle.

Dashboards can be digital or cloud-based and are often part of project management software. They may include charts, graphs, timelines, and colour-coded indicators highlighting risks or issues. They reduce the need for lengthy status reports or manual tracking by centralizing essential data in one location.

Key Points

  • It presents real-time data about a project’s status and performance.
  • It helps stakeholders quickly identify risks, delays, and progress trends.
  • It includes visual tools like bar charts, pie charts, and timelines.
  • It supports faster, more accurate decisions by displaying live updates.
  • It improves transparency by making information accessible to all team members.

Related Terms

  • A project status report often feeds data into a dashboard to show progress against the project plan.
  • Teams can embed a Gantt chart in a dashboard to visualize the timeline of project tasks.
  • A key performance indicator (KPI) is usually displayed on a dashboard to measure success against set goals.
  • It enhances project tracking by compiling task completion data and milestones.
  • Project management software commonly includes dashboards to help teams coordinate their efforts.

Dashboard: Example

A project manager overseeing a website redesign uses a dashboard to monitor progress. It displays current tasks, overdue items, resource allocation, and a timeline. A red indicator shows that the content writing phase is behind schedule. The team reviews the dashboard in a morning meeting and adjusts assignments to stay on track. Stakeholders also check the dashboard to view updated progress without needing weekly reports.

Dashboard: Best Practices

  • Keep the layout clean and simple to avoid confusion.
  • Show only the most relevant data to prevent information overload.
  • Use colour coding and visual aids to highlight essential updates or issues.
  • Update data sources regularly to ensure accuracy.
  • Make it accessible to all stakeholders for increased transparency.

Additional Resources

Dashboard - Project Management Metrics, KPIs, and Dashboards: A Guide to Measuring and Monitoring Project Performance     Dashboard - Information Dashboard Design: Displaying Data for At-a-Glance Monitoring

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