Practical guide
Which business metrics should SMEs track?
Choose a small set of KPIs linked to real operating decisions.
Begin with decisions
Ask which decisions managers make weekly or monthly and what evidence would improve them.
Use a balanced set
Combine outcome metrics such as revenue with driver metrics such as conversion, delivery time or repeat purchase rate.
Define every KPI
Record the formula, source, owner, frequency and any exclusions so people interpret the number consistently.
Expected output
A focused KPI list that supports action instead of a dashboard filled with unused numbers.