Before building another dashboard, fix the decision path

A dashboard cannot resolve conflicting definitions, missing source data or unclear accountability. Begin with the decision the report should support, the person responsible and the action that follows a threshold or trend. Then trace each measure back to its system of record.

Agree definitions and update expectations before investing in presentation.

Automate collection where it reduces delay or error, but keep visible checks for exceptions. A smaller set of trusted measures with an operating rhythm will usually outperform a polished reporting layer that no one can reconcile.