Enterprise resource planning (ERP) dashboards play a crucial role in business management: transforming raw data into actionable insights. ERP dashboards let users monitor key metrics and efficiently make well-informed decisions. However, a poorly designed ERP dashboard can lead to confusion and hinder users’ productivity—thus undermining its primary objective.
In this article, we’ll look at the essentials of effective ERP dashboard design, highlighting strategies and best practices for ensuring an easy-to-use experience. Whether you’re designing dashboards for internal teams or customizing them for clients, the principles I’ll share can help you create dashboard designs that are both highly functional and visually appealing.
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What Are an ERP Dashboard’s Core Objectives?
An ERP dashboard lets users retrieve vital data relating to a business, presenting it in an organized fashion in a central location. The purpose of such an instrument is to supply users with essential information that enables them to accomplish their business objectives. For example, a Finance Manager not only plans budgets, but also assesses their actual implementation by comparing revenues and expenditures against them. Sales Managers are measured by the numbers of products they sell, open opportunities, new customers, and total sales closed, which determine sales volume—that is, the average of the last six months of sales figures and expected inventory levels.
The core objective of an ERP dashboard is to present the appropriate data in the appropriate manner, enabling users to make decisions quickly, without having to read through detailed reports to seek the information they need.
Key Principles of Effective ERP Dashboard Design
Let’s consider six key principles of effective ERP dashboard design, as follows:
Clarity and simplicity—A good dashboard is easy to read and understand. Avoid clutter by including only essential information. For example, instead of displaying all sales data, show key metrics such as monthly sales, top-performing products, and customer-acquisition rates.
Customization—Every role in a company requires different information. A one-size-fits-all dashboard doesn’t work. Give users the ability to customize their dashboards based on their specific needs. For instance, a Sales Manager should see pipeline details, while a Finance Manager should be able to view cash-flow trends.
Consistency—Use a uniform layout, color scheme, and font styles across all dashboards. This consistency ensures that users don’t need to relearn how to navigate each dashboard. For example, if red indicates a warning in one chart, it should mean the same thing in others.
Interactivity—Dashboards are more useful when they allow users to explore the data. Add progressive-disclosure features, letting users drill down by clicking an element in a chart to view more detailed information. Provide filters—interactive elements that let users sort data—for example, by date, department, or location.
Accessibility—A dashboard must be accessible to everyone, including users with disabilities. Use legible fonts, ensure high color contrast, and enable keyboard navigation. Also consider screen-reader compatibility for visually impaired users.
Responsiveness—Many users access dashboards on mobile devices or tablets. A responsive design ensures that the dashboard adjusts to any device or screen size, without losing any functionality or clarity.
Designing an ERP Dashboard
To design an easy-to-use ERP dashboard, follow these steps:
Identify user needs. Talk to users to understand their challenges and daily tasks. For example, a CEO might need a high-level summary of company performance, while a Logistics Manager would need detailed shipping data.
Select key metrics. Focus on metrics that are actionable and relevant. For instance, if designing a dashboard for inventory management, include stock levels, reorder points, and aging inventory.
Choose the right visualizations. Use visual elements that match the data type. For example:
Use line charts for trends over time.
Create bar charts for comparisons such as monthly sales across regions.
Display detailed data in tables—for example, a list of overdue invoices.
Organize information logically. Structure the dashboard so the most important information is readily visible. Place key metrics at the top of the dashboard, following them with supporting details. For example, a sales dashboard might start with total revenue, then show sales by region or product.
Add filters and search options. Give users tools to refine their data display. For example, a filter might let a user view sales for a specific month, product, or customer. A search bar could help users quickly locate specific records.
Optimize for performance. Ensure that dashboards load quickly. Slow dashboards frustrate users and reduce their productivity. Optimize queries and use caching where possible to improve loading times.
Incorporate real-time updates. Many users need the most current data to make decisions. Dashboards should update automatically to reflect the latest information and include a timestamp showing when the data was last refreshed.
Provide online Help and onboarding features. New users might struggle to understand a complex dashboard. Include ToolTips, tutorials, or quick-start guides to help them get up to speed. Adding explanations for each dashboard widget can also improve their usability.
Tools and Technologies for Designing ERP Dashboards
Designing ERP dashboards to enhance the user experience requires leveraging the right tools and strategies to prioritize usability and clarity. Using the right tools can help ensure that a dashboard presents the data clearly and accessibly for users at all levels.
Native ERP dashboard tools—Built-in features in ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, and Oracle provide robust customization options for creating role-specific dashboards. These tools simplify data presentation, ensuring that users can quickly access essential metrics that are tailored to their needs.
Advanced data-visualization platforms—Platforms such as Power BI and Tableau enable the creation of interactive, dynamic dashboards. These tools enable businesses to go beyond standard layouts to offer detailed insights with enhanced visual appeal.
User-centric prototyping and feedback—Design tools such as Figma and Adobe XD let teams prototype dashboards and gather user feedback before final implementation. Collaborating with experts such as NetSuite consultants during this phase ensures that dashboards align with both users’ expectations and business workflows, resulting in a seamless user experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Designing ERP Dashboards
Now, let’s consider some common mistakes that you should endeavor to avoid when designing an ERP dashboard, as follows:
Overloading dashboards with data. Displaying too much information on a single page or screen can overwhelm users. Stick with just the most important metrics.
Using overly complex visuals. Avoid charts or graphs that are hard to interpret. For example, a pie chart with too many slices could confuse users.
Ignoring user feedback. Designing a dashboard without user input often leads to dashboards that don’t meet users’ needs. Engage with users during the design process.
Neglecting updates. Business needs evolve, and dashboards must stay relevant. Regularly review and update dashboards to reflect current goals.
Testing and Deployment of ERP Dashboards
Before making a dashboard live, test it with real users. Ask them to perform their actual tasks using the dashboard and note any issues they face. Then adjust the design based on their feedback.
After deployment, provide training to ensure that users know how to access and use the dashboard effectively.
Conclusion
A well-designed ERP dashboard is more than just a collection of charts and metrics. It’s a powerful tool that bridges the gap between data and decision-making. By focusing on clarity, customization, interactivity, and accessibility, you can create dashboards that empower users to act swiftly and effectively.
An easy-to-use dashboard saves users time, reduces their cognitive load, and eliminates the need to dig through extensive reports, letting users focus on strategic tasks. Whether the user is a Sales Manager tracking performance or a CEO reviewing company-wide key performance indicators (KPIs), the right dashboard design can ensure that stakeholders get the insights they need at a glance.
Remember, dashboard design is not a one-and-done task—it requires continuous iteration based on the analysis of user feedback and evolving business needs. By prioritizing user-centric design and leveraging the appropriate tools, businesses can unlock the full potential of their ERP systems, driving better decision-making and fostering organizational growth.
At ERP Peers, David specializes in consulting, implementation, and integration services. Leveraging his deep expertise in NetSuite and Celigo, he helps businesses streamline their operations, integrate systems, and achieve seamless data flow, thus ensuring growth and efficiency at every stage. Read More
