Term · Custom software
Dashboard
A dashboard shows your business's most important figures on one screen, with data from your own systems.
In short
A dashboard is one screen with the figures you often want to see, such as turnover, outstanding invoices or the planning. The data comes from your systems, such as the accounts and the CRM, and is updated automatically.
What is a dashboard?
A dashboard is one screen with the figures you often need, in charts and tables. The data comes from your own systems and is updated automatically. A management dashboard shows the figures that management uses to steer.
The word comes from the dashboard in a car: at a glance you see what you need to know.
How does a dashboard work?
A dashboard retrieves data from your systems, for example via their API. Sometimes the data first comes together in a separate database. The dashboard then calculates the figures and displays them. This often happens at fixed times, for example every hour or every night.
You can create a dashboard in a package such as Microsoft Power BI or Google Looker Studio. Some packages, such as an ERP or a CRM, already have one built in. Or you have one built bespoke.
Example in an SME
Made-up example
An installation company wants to know every Monday how much work is ready to go, which invoices are outstanding and which quotes have not yet had a reply. Those figures are in three packages. A dashboard puts them side by side on one screen.
What should you watch for?
- Choose few figures. Start with the questions you ask every week. Nobody looks at a dashboard with thirty charts.
- Agree what a figure means. Is turnover including or excluding VAT? Does a quote count once it has been sent, or only once it has been signed?
- Good input. A dashboard is only as good as the data behind it. If the input is wrong, the dashboard is wrong too.
- Access. Decide who may see which figures, especially with data about employees.
Would you like a dashboard made with the figures from your own systems? Under automation and dashboards you can read how I approach that.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a dashboard and a report?
A report is an overview of one moment, such as a monthly report. A dashboard is updated continuously, and you look at it whenever you want.
Do you need a dashboard?
That depends. If you pull figures from several packages every week to put them side by side, a dashboard helps. If everything is already in one package with good overviews, that is often enough.
Sources: Microsoft Learn: What is Power BI? and Google Cloud: Looker Studio (in English). Consulted on 7 October 2026.
Written by Bart van Engelenhoven Founder of Uniekaiconsultancy in Ede, the Netherlands. Bart analyses how SMEs work and builds software, integrations and AI applications himself. Last updated: 7 October 2026
Read more
Term
Database
What is a database? An organised collection of data that software can look up and update. Explanation in plain language, with the difference with Excel.
Read moreTerm
ERP system
What is an ERP system? One package for your entire operation, from purchasing and stock to finances. With the difference with accounting software and CRM.
Read moreTerm
CRM system
What is a CRM system? Software in which you track all contact with customers: details, conversations, quotes and tasks. Explanation with an example.
Read moreNext step
Curious what could work for you?
- The first conversation is free and without obligation
- By phone or at your premises
- You speak directly with me
Bart van Engelenhoven You tell me what takes up your time, I tell you honestly whether I can help.