Operational Dashboards: Visualize and Action Your KPIs in Real-Time (Not PowerBI)

Real-time operational dashboard

PowerBI and Tableau are fantastic tools for strategic “post-mortem” analysis. They are perfect for the CEO to see how the last quarter closed. But for an Operations Manager who needs to know which production line is down right now and restart it, PowerBI falls short.

The problem with traditional BI tools is that they are “read-only” and usually suffer from latency (data refreshes every hour or day). On the shop floor, hour-old data is useless data.

At Koud, we specialize in Real-time Operational Dashboard development. These aren’t just screens to view charts; they are control centers where you can make decisions and execute actions without leaving the screen.

The Difference Between “Viewing” and “Acting”

A static report tells you: “We had a problem 2 hours ago.”

A real-time operational dashboard tells you: “You have a problem now. Press this button to fix it.”

This capability of Actionable Analytics is what separates an interactive PDF from a custom software tool.

By developing dashboards with modern web technologies like React data visualization, we can integrate action buttons directly into the charts:

• See a blocked purchase order on the graph? Right-click and authorize it right there.
• Is a temperature sensor in the red? Adjust the thermostat from the panel.
• Inventory running low? Trigger the restocking order with a click.

Why Custom Development (React/Angular) and Not PowerBI?

Many clients ask us why not use the Microsoft license they already pay for. The answer is technical and operational:

1. Zero Latency (WebSockets): PowerBI generally requires data reloading. Custom development uses WebSockets so that if a sale happens at second 1, the chart updates at second 1.1, without the user refreshing the page.
2. Flexible User Interface (UX): In PowerBI, you are limited to its widgets. In custom development, the limit is imagination. We can create exact visual representations of your warehouse or plant.
3. Write-back: PowerBI is designed to read databases, not write to them. To create a KPI control panel development that allows modifying an order status, you need a real web application connected to your Backend via APIs.

Use Cases Where Real-Time Means Money

• Logistics: Viewing fleet location and reassigning routes on the fly.
• Fintech: Monitoring fraudulent transactions where cards must be blocked in seconds.
• Manufacturing: OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) dashboards that alert maintenance before the machine fails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect this dashboard to my ERP and CRM simultaneously?

Yes. One of the great advantages of custom development is that we can unify data sources (SAP, Salesforce, Excel, IoT) into a single coherent view, breaking down information silos.

Is it compatible with mobile and tablets?

Absolutely. We develop with responsive frameworks (like React Native or PWA). Your Plant Manager can walk the aisles with an iPad viewing indicators in real-time.

Is it much more expensive than PowerBI?

The initial development investment is higher than making a PowerBI report, but there are no monthly per-user license costs (which can scale quickly in PowerBI). Plus, the ROI from immediate reaction capability usually pays for the development in months.

Conclusion

Stop driving your operation looking in the rearview mirror (past data). Start driving looking at the road (real-time data).

If your operation requires speed, precision, and responsiveness, you need more than a pretty report. You need an Operational Dashboard developed by Koud.