A view is a hierarchical structure that displays the relationship between strategic objectives and performance measures. A view usually reflects an organization’s vision, values, mission statement, and strategic plans. The view structure consists of the following primary components: measures, locations, and data. These three components provide a meaningful, hierarchical, customizable view of your data. In Metrics Management there are three types of measures: data, formula, and group.

Figure 1‑1 shows a view where Overall Performance is at the top of the hierarchy, and key strategic elements are at the next level down. The structure cascades downward to include the key performance areas and elements that contribute to your organization’s success.

Of course, you can tailor your performance framework to your organizational needs. Within your view hierarchy, you align the measures that track performance of various activities with your overall corporate strategy.

Typically, the view reflects the main concepts behind an organization’s vision, values, mission statement, and strategic plans. During the implementation phase, match these overall goals with supporting key performance areas and measures. Additional views then focus on specific or unique aspects of your organization’s performance.

After the main view structure is built, a variety of features can enhance the information within the view. These additional features include sorting data measures using elements, such as locations and weights, to garner specific information.