Operating reviews · Decision tools
Small-Business KPI Scorecard
A KPI is useful when its definition is stable and a meaningful change leads to a decision.
- Originally published
- September 5, 2026 by Matt Herrera
- Reviewed and updated
- September 5, 2026 by Matt Herrera
Give every metric a definition
Record the numerator, denominator, time window, exclusions, source system, and owner. Terms such as lead, sale, active customer, and on-time delivery need written definitions.
Cover the operating system
Use a small set across cash, demand, sales, delivery, customer continuity, and risk. Accounting records control financial reporting; analytics tools may help explain behavior but should not replace the books.
Attach a threshold and response
Write the range that requires attention and the action it triggers. Review thresholds when pricing, capacity, products, or systems change. Preserve prior definitions so historical comparisons remain readable.