Last updated on Oct 1, 2024

How do you integrate and analyze data from multiple sources and systems to create meaningful KPIs?

KPIs, or key performance indicators, are measurable values that show how well your organization is achieving its strategic goals. But how do you create meaningful KPIs that reflect the data from multiple sources and systems, such as CRM, ERP, web analytics, social media, and more? In this article, we will show you how to integrate and analyze data from different platforms and tools to create KPIs that are relevant, actionable, and aligned with your business objectives.

1 Define your KPIs

The first step to creating meaningful KPIs is to define what you want to measure and why. You need to have a clear understanding of your organization's vision, mission, values, and strategy, and how your KPIs will support them. You also need to identify your target audience, stakeholders, and decision-makers, and how they will use the KPIs to evaluate performance and make improvements. To define your KPIs, you can use frameworks such as SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound), OKR (objectives and key results), or BSC (balanced scorecard).

Add your perspective

James Albert Silvoza

19k+ Followers • Short Form Editor • Long Form Editor • UGC Editor• VSL Editor • Podcast Editor • Graphic Designer
Report contribution
I also normalize the data to ensure consistency across all sources, allowing for accurate comparison and analysis. By applying statistical methods and focusing on key metrics that align with business objectives, I turn raw data into actionable insights that help drive strategic decisions.

Like

2 Choose your data sources and systems

The next step is to choose the data sources and systems that will provide the information you need to calculate your KPIs. Depending on your KPIs, you may need to collect data from various platforms and tools, such as CRM, ERP, web analytics, social media, email marketing, surveys, and more. You need to ensure that the data sources and systems are reliable, accurate, consistent, and compatible with each other. You also need to consider the frequency, format, and quality of the data, and how you will access, store, and secure it.

Add your perspective

3 Integrate your data

The third step is to integrate your data from different sources and systems into a single platform or tool that will allow you to analyze and visualize it. You can use various methods and techniques to integrate your data, such as ETL (extract, transform, and load), APIs (application programming interfaces), or connectors. You need to ensure that the data integration process is automated, scalable, and error-free. You also need to verify that the data is complete, correct, and consistent after the integration.

Add your perspective

4 Analyze your data

The fourth step is to analyze your data to calculate your KPIs and derive insights from them. You can use various tools and methods to analyze your data, such as spreadsheets, dashboards, reports, charts, graphs, or BI (business intelligence) software. You need to ensure that the data analysis process is relevant, timely, and actionable. You also need to apply appropriate filters, calculations, formulas, functions, and metrics to your data to produce accurate and meaningful KPIs.

Add your perspective

Cedric C.

Experienced Senior Manager with 20+ Years in Marine Industry | Data-Driven Strategist | Expert in Maintenance Planning & Ops | Seeking Director, Operations & Maintenance positions.
(edited)
Report contribution
An important step here is missing before analyzing and this is where data analysts spend a lot ( too much?) of their time : data cleaning (or data wrangling). Especially when data are scrapped from different sources like CRM , outsourced websites or social media. It is very seldom that a dataset comes clean right away...

Like

5 Visualize your KPIs

The fifth step is to visualize your KPIs in a way that makes them easy to understand, communicate, and monitor. You can use various tools and methods to visualize your KPIs, such as dashboards, reports, charts, graphs, or scorecards. You need to ensure that the data visualization process is clear, concise, and engaging. You also need to choose the right type, style, color, and layout of the visualization elements to highlight the most important information and trends.

Add your perspective

6 Review and improve your KPIs

The final step is to review and improve your KPIs on a regular basis to ensure that they are still relevant, aligned, and effective. You need to monitor your KPIs and compare them with your targets, benchmarks, and expectations. You also need to evaluate your KPIs and identify any gaps, issues, or opportunities for improvement. You can use various tools and methods to review and improve your KPIs, such as feedback, surveys, audits, tests, or experiments.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How do you integrate and analyze data from multiple sources and systems to create meaningful KPIs?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define your KPIs

2 Choose your data sources and systems

3 Integrate your data

4 Analyze your data

5 Visualize your KPIs

6 Review and improve your KPIs

7 Here’s what else to consider

KPI Reports

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on KPI Reports

More relevant reading