Using MI to drive informed business decisions

Management information (MI) is data or statistics which is collected and used to measure performance in given areas of a business and drive change to achieve improvement where needed.

MI helps you make valid business decisions by providing accurate and up-to-date information. It reports to provide guidance for your decisions. However your MI has to be relevant, accurate and timely to be an essential element that drives business decision making.

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Life without MI

Lack of MI and key performance indicators (KPIs) are among some of the main reasons why businesses struggle. Yet we often see incomplete, inaccurate, unreliable MI. MI that is not produced within required timescales and a lack of KPIs. Or worse poor KPIs that are not aligned to the business goals.

Many people who own and run businesses in the SME sector possess unique technical strengths. But they often find the “business numbers” the least favoured part of business. It is essential that you can identify the vital areas to focus on for sustainable growth and then make sure you understand those areas, take ownership of them and take action based on the results produced from these areas.

MI is vital to business success

Therefore to run your business successfully management information is vital. Whether financial, operational or organisational.

To be effective, that information has to be timely and regularly available when and where it is needed. It must be accurate so it can be relied upon. The information must be complete giving you everything you need. The data must be relevant such that you are not overloaded with superfluous data. And it has to be easy to understand, so there can be no risk of misinterpretation. Finally, it needs to be quick and cost effective to produce so the energy you expend producing your MI is not greater than the benefits you will receive from its use.

Of course, as a business leader you still have to make the decisions. But by measuring and recording the results from all areas of your business, understanding the results and acting on them, you’ll find you make more effective and informed business decisions.

If you would like to meet with a Pro-actions coach, or would like a telephone call to discuss any aspect of your business, please contact us today!