Key figures

Metrics are quantifiable measures that measure the success or performance of a company, department, or process.

They serve as indicators to record the current situation, track progress and identify potential for improvement. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are also some subtle differences:

Code: The more general term that applies to any quantifiable refers to a measure that is used to measure performance.
KPI: A specific type of indicator that focuses on the key success indicators of a company or department. KPIs are usually chosen strategically to measure progress toward key business goals.

Types of key figures

There are various types of key figures that can be categorized according to various criteria:

Time reference

Historical key figures: These figures show past performance.
Current indicators: These metrics provide insight into current performance.
Future-related key figures: These metrics predict future performance

Dimension of success

Efficiency indicators: These key figures measure the use of resources in relation to earnings.
Effectiveness figures: These indicators measure the degree of goal achievement.
Process indicators: These indicators measure the quality and efficiency of processes.
Key earnings figures: These metrics measure success at the end of a process or activity.

Hierarchical level

‍Strategic indicators: These key figures measure long-term corporate goals.
Tactical figures: These indicators measure the implementation of strategic goals.
Operational figures: These indicators measure daily performance at process level.

Selection and use of key figures

Selecting the right indicators is crucial for effective management and control of a company. The key figures should be relevant, measurable, achievable, timely and understandable.

Key figures should be regularly monitored and analyzed to identify trends and potential for improvement. They can also be used to compare different departments or companies.

We are happy to assist you in the various aspects of the key figure definition. Data audit for analyzing the basics, Data culture for a metric-driven culture, Data architecture for the technological basis or Data organization for, for example, a meeting and organizational structure.

Examples of key figures

Turnover: The total turnover of a company over a specific period of time.
Profit: The profit of a company after deducting all costs.
Customer Retention Rate: The percentage of customers who maintain business relationships with the company over a given period of time.
Customer satisfaction: The level of customer satisfaction with the company's products or services.
Employee satisfaction: The level of employee satisfaction with their workplace and the company.
Average turnaround time: The average time it takes to process a customer order.
Error rate: The percentage of faulty products or services.
Click-through rate (CTR): The percentage of users who click on an ad.
Conversion rate: The percentage of users who take a desired action, such as making a purchase.