Building Dashboards Your Teams Actually Use
Dashboards are meant to drive decisions. But if your team is not looking at them, the real question becomes: are they built to deliver value or just data?
To create dashboards that get used, start by thinking about the “why.” Every dashboard needs a clear purpose. Whether it is designed for executives to track KPIs or frontline staff monitoring real-time performance, success begins with aligning the dashboard’s content to its audience and their goals. A dashboard that tries to speak to everyone often ends up communicating with no one.
Clarity is key. Rather than packing in dozens of charts and tables, prioritize a few critical metrics. Overloading users with visual noise causes fatigue and disengagement. Use design to guide attention, larger visuals for top priorities, color accents for urgency, and simplified layouts that invite interaction rather than confusion.
Tool selection matters too. Whether you are using Microsoft Power BI, Excel with Copilot, or an ERP-integrated solution like Epicor Prophet 21, stick with platforms your teams already trust. And do not forget adoption strategies, embedding dashboards in daily workflows via Microsoft Teams or SharePoint makes them far more likely to be seen and used. Investing in training so users can explore insights themselves fosters a culture of data curiosity and reduces IT bottlenecks.
And remember dashboards should not be static. Refresh them regularly, tailor views to roles, and trigger alerts when KPIs shift. A dashboard that is relevant today will not be tomorrow unless it is evolving with your business.
If your current reporting tools are underused, it may be time to reevaluate. Ask your team what they trust, what they ignore, and what is still living in spreadsheets. The answers can lead you to dashboards that do not just exist but make a real impact.
2W Tech specializes in turning raw data into real-world business advantage. With deep expertise in Microsoft 365, Epicor ERP, and business intelligence strategies, we help organizations streamline reporting, modernize dashboards, and foster a data-driven culture. Whether you are building from scratch or refining existing tools, our consultants know how to translate technical insights into actionable results, so your dashboards stop collecting dust and start driving decisions.
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