When setting up a Metric, there are three different ways you will be able to measure it.
Count
Count metrics add up actual values from each interval starting from zero and ending with your quarterly target.
- Examples of Count metric: Revenue, Number of New Clients, Number of Qualified Leads.
- In the example of New Clients, you will start your quarter with zero New Clients, and will have a target at the end of the quarter for how many New Clients you've signed in that quarter.
Measurement
For a Measurement type, you will start your period at a value that is anything other than zero, and end with your quarterly target. Measurement actuals do not add up (are non-cumulative) between intervals, essentially giving you a 'running target'.
- Examples of Measurement Metrics: Operating Cash or Total Subscriptions.
- In the example of Operating Cash, you may have $100,000 at the start of the quarter and have a target to end at $150,00.
- Note: We chose Cash as an example here because this may also be an exception since you might be starting your quarter with $0 Operating Cash.
- To decide whether you use Count or Measurement, think about if you are wanting track a running balance between quarters or you are tracking a Metric that will reset to zero every quarter.
Flat
Flat targets have a constant value, where progression is not the desired outcome. Instead, the Metric aims to stay at a constant target value throughout the period.
- Examples of Flat Metrics: any Metric that is a percentage, or a score like Net Promoter Score (NPS)
- In the example of NPS, you may always want your NPS score to be above 80%. When you are measuring NPS therefore, anything that is below 80% is where you have missed your target for that interval but does not affect the quarterly target.