What is its definition?
The meaning of the metric: what the number represents in the context of the view.
Indicator methodology
A useful number must explain what it measures—and what it does not.
Before comparing periods, territories, or packages, verify what the indicator measures, which data feeds it, how it is calculated, the active scope, and its limits.
Before using the numberCheck five elements
Interpretation method
01What the number representsDefinition
02Which data feeds itSource
03How it is calculatedCalculation
04Which period and scopeContext
05What limits the readingLimits
The scope, methodology, and available granularity determine how an indicator can be interpreted.
01Interpretation method
Five questions to ask before using an indicator
These five checks reflect what the Financial Dashboard documents: metric meaning, data sources and values used, formulas, active scope, and interpretation limits.
Which data feeds it?
The data source and values used to produce the displayed reading.
How is it calculated?
The documented formulas, conventions, and groupings for the indicator.
Which period and scope are covered?
The active period and, depending on the view, employee, territory, package, or option filters.
What limits the reading?
Cases that are exact, partial, unavailable, or restricted to the global view.
02Visible limit
Why a value may be unavailable
MapMyStaff may display n/a, unavailable or global view only when an indicator cannot be calculated usefully with the selected data and filters. The system then flags the limitation rather than displaying a potentially misleading value.
Entire company
$14,500Global billed value
The value is available and calculable for the selected global scope.
Selected territory
Global view only
This breakdown is not available for this indicator. The global reading is not transferred to a sub-scope when an exact breakdown is not defensible.
Demonstration data
03Two different interpretations
Observed data or simulated scenario
MapMyStaff distinguishes a baseline drawn from available historical data from results produced using adjustable assumptions. The two readings do not answer the same question.
Observed
What is recorded- Comes from the available historical data used as the baseline.
- Describes the period or historical window selected as the baseline.
- Depends on the baseline period, data source, and available data.
Simulated
What you compare- Starts from a baseline and adjustable assumptions, including price, volume, capacity, territory, or routing.
- Used to compare scenarios before changing operations.
- It is not a guaranteed forecast or a guarantee of results.
A simulation keeps the baseline, assumptions, and simulated result distinct.
04Verification before decision
Confirm the number before using it
The Financial Dashboard documents a reading order before confirming a number: verify the scope, review governance, freshness, and closure, then compare the card or chart with the Detail view.
Starting pointCard or chart to verify
Control pointScope and governance
When granularity allows it, the Detail view can move down to the month and then to employee, territory, package, or option groupings. Otherwise, the reading must remain partial, unavailable, or global as applicable.
The methodology is used to confirm what the number can actually support before using it in a decision.
01
Identify the numberIdentify the card or chart to confirm.
02
Verify the scopeReview the active period and filters.
03
Verify governanceReview freshness, closure, and scope quality.
04
Confirm in DetailOpen the Detail view and respect the available granularity.
05Frequently asked questions
Verify the methodology before drawing a conclusion
These answers summarize the main documented guardrails for interpreting an indicator according to its scope, granularity, and methodology.
Visit the Trust CentreWhat is an indicator methodology for?
It documents metric meaning, formulas, conventions, and interpretation limits.
Why do some KPIs display n/a or unavailable?
Because some combinations of data or filters do not support an exact calculation. The product flags the limitation rather than inventing a number.
Why do some blocks remain global view only?
Because a sub-scope can produce a misleading reading when the required granularity does not exist. The global view then remains the documented reading level.
What is the difference between an observed baseline and a simulated result?
The baseline comes from available historical data. The simulated result comes from adjustable assumptions applied to that baseline and is not a guaranteed forecast.
How should I confirm a number before making a decision?
First verify the scope and data governance, then compare the card or chart with the Detail view when the available granularity supports it.
Next step
Verify the scope before confirming a number.
Review historical readings in the Financial Dashboard or compare a baseline and assumptions in the Growth Simulator.