KPIs

What it is (why)

A KPI (key performance indicator) is a measurable metric with a target, direction (higher or lower is better), and reporting frequency. KPIs are the center of the performance graph in VisionAtlas: goals are measured by KPIs, and initiatives are expected to influence KPIs.

There is no direct goal-to-initiative link — both connect through KPIs.

When to use it

Use a KPI when:

You need a number you can track over time (revenue, retention, cycle time, quality rate)
Leadership reviews health (on track / at risk / off track) against a target
You want to connect strategy (goals) to execution (initiatives)

Do not use a KPI when:

You only need a narrative update → Weekly updates
You are describing a project → Initiative
You need informal feedback → Observation

How to use it

Create a KPI

Open KPIs → New KPI.
Set name, description, target value, unit, direction, and reporting frequency (weekly, monthly, quarterly).
Assign owner department and user.
Optionally link goals and initiatives on the form, or manage links on the KPI detail page.

Maintain actuals

Update current value on the KPI detail page for manual entry, or use Capturing KPI actuals for CSV import and API integration.
Actuals are stored per reporting period based on your company fiscal calendar and the KPI frequency.

Link goals and initiatives

On the KPI detail page, use Related goals & initiatives to add or remove links.
On Goal or Initiative detail pages, use Linked KPIs from the other direction.

Read health

Dashboard and KPI lists show health derived from current value vs target and direction. Use Performance model to filter by health and find orphan KPIs (KPIs with no goal link).

Who typically owns it

Managers and department leaders create and maintain department KPIs
Executives define cross-functional or company KPIs
Contributors often view KPIs; updating actuals depends on permissions

Goals — outcomes this KPI measures
Initiatives — work expected to move this KPI
Capturing KPI actuals — manual, CSV, API, webhooks
Performance model — live graph and orphan detection

Common mistakes

KPIs with no goal link — valid for operational metrics, but orphans hide gaps in strategy alignment
Changing target every week without documenting why — confuses trend interpretation
Wrong reporting frequency — weekly reviews on a quarterly KPI create noise
Initiatives linked to KPIs they do not actually affect