One area I find there is often a lot of confusion around, is the definition, difference and use of the various metrics: KRA’s, KRI’s, PI’s and KPIs. So lets quickly clarify the difference between each and how they are applied to dashboards and scorecards.

First, let’s just revist the difference between a dashboard and a scorecard:

The primary difference between the two is that dashboards monitor the performance of operational processes [transactions] whereas scorecards show the progress towards tactical and strategic goals. In addition, a scorecard is driven by a management methodology, such as balanced scorecard.

Quick Metric Definintions

KRI’s – key result indicators tell what you have done in key result areas [KRA’s]. These are broad results areas where the overall performance metric, KRI is the result of many actions.

PI – performance indicators tell you what to do. These are more focused in smaller targeted areas than KRI’s, but less powerful than KPI’s

KPI – key performance indicators tell you what to do the dramatically increase performance. They are the result of one action, and directly linked to a strategic objective.

For more discussion on how each of these metrics are used, read the article on the Coded Vision site: Unravelling KRA’s, KRI’s, PI’s and KPIs