Improve business performance with multi-metric scorecard analysis

Database and systems performances rely heavily on traditional Queue Theory Analysis to identify performance barriers. While this type of analysis quickly targets short-term obstructions, its methodology focuses only on a single metric during each evaluation cycle and fails to look at the comprehensive environment.

A successful alternative to this approach is the scorecard analysis.

Scorecards evaluate multiple metrics simultaneously during any analysis cycle, which provides a more holistic view of the environment. After all, performance problems are rarely the result of a single metric. Identifying multiple corrective solutions for each analysis cycle improves your analytical resources and operational efficiencies while delivering value added benefit to the organization faster.

Multi-metric scorecards can identify high-valued problematic areas faster and easier than traditional methods, whether you’re running a performance analysis for an application, business, database or system. A key feature of this methodology is its flexibility to adapt to environmental changes quickly and easily. Key performance indicators (KPIs) can be added, removed or altered based upon the KPI’s value to the analysis process.

Scorecard results can be easily tracked and reported over time, offering an historical perspective. If past performance data have been retained, it may be possible for historical cycles to be replayed, utilizing metric changes, to shed new insights upon performance.

The scorecard methodology is an iterative process that can be used in both proactive and reactive environments. A proactive implementation requires extra planning, increased automation and is suited for a dynamic environment. In contrast, highly structured, static environments can benefit from a reactive approach.

Here are four steps you should follow when using the scorecard approach:

1. Define/Refine KPIs

The initial process requires the identification of relevant and meaningful KPIs that directly relate to measuring performance of the targeted subject. A KPI can be directly measurable or a calculated value based upon other measured metrics. In addition to defining which KPIs to utilize, how often this data will be evaluated must be defined at the beginning.

Because of the iterative process of scorecard analysis, a periodic review of each metric must be performed to determine its value add to the overall process. Obsolete or irrelevant metrics can be dynamically removed, and newly identified metrics can be added.

Retention of historical data allows for changed metrics to be reanalyzed quickly and easily.

2. Collect, Rank, Analyze Performance Data

Automation tools should be deployed to ensure consistent and repeatable data collection and retention.

There are numerous ranking methodologies available such as Dense, Ordinal, Fractional, Standard & Modified competition. Select a ranking methodology that best represents the relationship between metrics. Be sure each metric is ranked independently of the other metrics.

The analysis phase should result in a list of ranked metrics where the most offensive attributes are easily identifiable.

3. Identify and Implement Corrective Action(s)

Once the poorly performing attributes have been identified, corrective action(s) must be identified. Because this is a multi-metric analysis approach, it is likely there will be multiple corrective actions.

4. Repeat Analysis Process

This process is repeated based upon your predetermined analysis cycle; however, it is imperative that corrective actions are implemented in order to find the next set of poorly performing attributes.

About Odyssey Information Services

Odyssey Information Services is a complete IT services firm offering consulting, recruiting, and professional and managed service solutions. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, with additional offices in Houston and Malaysia, Odyssey has placed thousands of IT consultants in Fortune 1000 companies throughout the U.S. and around the world. In addition, Odyssey’s qualified teams of experts provide enterprise-level solutions that are scalable to meet the IT needs of any business, including agile software development, 24/7 monitoring support, database analysis and support, network connectivity, operations support, disaster recovery and backup, modernization, system migration, application implementation, and data center services. To learn more about Odyssey Information Services, visit OdysseyIS.com.

Author

  • Greg Hunt

    Greg Hunt is a solutions architect with more than 30 years of industry experience in programming, systems management, data analytics, and query/database design and performance for NonStop and other platforms. After working for nearly a decade at HPE, Greg brought his extensive knowledge of architectural practices, data management and database platform experiences to Odyssey Information Services in 2016 where he has helped Odyssey’s clients improve overall data utilization and database performance.

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