KPI definition
Remove ambiguity.
State the formula, grain, filters, time window, owner, and data source.
Decision analytics
A metric needs a decision job.
A KPI measures the intended outcome. A guardrail checks that improvement does not create another problem.
Visual model
Start with the question, not the chart.
Define the decision, metric, calculation, grain, comparison, and guardrail before building the visual.
KPI definitionGuardrail metricDecision rule
QuestionWhat must change?
→
KPIMeasure the outcome
→
DriverExplain movement
→
GuardrailProtect against harm
→
DecisionAct or stop
Driver metric
Explain the result.
Use a small set of measures that can explain why the KPI moved.
Guardrail metric
Check unintended harm.
A conversion gain is not useful if returns rise or margin falls materially.
Decision rule
Define action before the result.
State the threshold that supports rollout, review, or rejection.
Where I used it
Experiment measurement
Each test has a primary metric, guardrail, sample need, and rollout rule.
View tests →Operational KPI definitions
Workforce, demand, four-hour performance, and pressure use controlled definitions.
View reporting →Automation thresholds
Accuracy and sample size control which routing decision can automate.
View governance →