Creating a Portlet Dashboard

Users can easily create a portlet dashboard using Style Intelligence - InetSoft's comprehensive real-time analytical reporting and dashboard software solution. View the example below to learn more about the Style Intelligence solution.

A portlet dashboard can contain a combination of report and viewsheet elements in a particular row or column layout. To create a portlet dashboard, follow these steps:

1. Under the Design tab, click the 'Dashboard' button.

2. Click the 'New Dashboard' button under the 'Dashboards' table. This opens the 'Dashboard Properties' dialog box.

3. In the 'Dashboard Name' field, enter a name for the new dashboard. This name will be displayed on this dashboard's tab in the Portal.

4. Select 'Portlet Dashboard' as the 'Dashboard Type'.

5. From the 'Layout' menu, select the desired arrangement of row/col­umn portlet containers. A column container permits its constituent port­lets to be positioned vertically, while a row container permits its constituent portlets to be positioned horizontally. The row/column layout of a dashboard cannot be changed after it is specified

6. (Optional) Enter a description for the dashboard in the 'Description' field. This description is only visible when the dashboard is being edited.

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7. Click 'Apply'. This closes the 'Dashboard Properties' dialog box, and automatically opens the 'Edit Dashboard' page.

The tree on the left side of the 'Edit Dashboard' page lists all the viewsheets and reports that are accessible as portlets. The panel on the right side shows the “portlet containers” positioned in the row/column layout you previously selected.

8. From the tree on the left, drag a portlet element (report or viewsheet) over the desired portlet container on the right side. When the portlet container is outlined and highlighted, drop the portlet into the container.

Note: Portlet elements are displayed at the actual size they will appear in the final dashboard. This helps you tailor your design to fit the screen. Viewsheet portlets are displayed as pie charts, while report portlets are displayed using report metadata.

9. Drag additional portlets to the remaining portlet containers, as desired. Row containers can accept multiple portlets side-by-side, while column containers can accept multiple portlets one above the other.

10. Enable 'Reload on select' if you want reports on the dashboard to be refreshed when you click on the dashboard's tab in the Portal.

11. Click 'Save' to save the dashboard design.

This closes the 'Edit Dashboard' page and returns you to the main 'Dashboard' page. The new dashboard is now listed in the 'Dashboards' table, and will be visible alongside your other dashboards when you select the Dashboard tab in the Portal.

What KPIs and Metrics Are Tracked in Dashboards?

Parking management is a critical aspect of urban planning, transportation management, and commercial real estate operations. With the advent of smart cities and digital transformation, parking management has evolved from simple space allocation to a complex system that integrates technology, data analysis, and user experience optimization. One of the key tools in modern parking management is the use of dashboards that track a variety of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics. These KPIs help parking managers monitor performance, optimize operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and ultimately improve profitability. This article explores the essential KPIs and metrics tracked in parking management dashboards, their definitions, and their significance in performance management.

1. Occupancy Rate

Definition: Occupancy rate refers to the percentage of parking spaces that are occupied at a given time. It is calculated as the ratio of occupied parking spaces to the total number of available spaces.

Formula:

Occupancy Rate=(Occupied SpacesTotal Spaces)×100\text{Occupancy Rate} = \left(\frac{\text{Occupied Spaces}}{\text{Total Spaces}}\right) \times 100Occupancy Rate=(Total SpacesOccupied Spaces​)×100

Significance: Occupancy rate is one of the most fundamental KPIs in parking management. It provides insights into the utilization of parking facilities. A high occupancy rate indicates that the parking space is in demand, which could suggest a need for expansion or pricing adjustments. Conversely, a low occupancy rate might indicate underutilization, prompting a review of marketing strategies, pricing, or service offerings. Monitoring occupancy rates helps managers balance demand and supply, ensuring optimal use of resources.

2. Turnover Rate

Definition: Turnover rate measures the number of vehicles that use a parking space within a specific period, typically a day. It indicates how frequently parking spaces are vacated and reoccupied.

Formula:

Turnover Rate=Number of Vehicles ParkedNumber of Parking Spaces\text{Turnover Rate} = \frac{\text{Number of Vehicles Parked}}{\text{Number of Parking Spaces}}Turnover Rate=Number of Parking SpacesNumber of Vehicles Parked​

Significance: A high turnover rate implies that spaces are being used efficiently, with many vehicles parking and leaving throughout the day. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas where maximizing the use of available spaces is crucial. In contrast, a low turnover rate may suggest that spaces are occupied for long durations, which could limit availability for other users and reduce potential revenue. Understanding turnover rates helps in designing parking policies, such as time limits or dynamic pricing, to optimize space usage.

3. Average Duration of Stay

Definition: The average duration of stay refers to the average amount of time vehicles remain parked in the facility.

Formula:

Average Duration of Stay=Total Time Parked by All VehiclesNumber of Vehicles Parked\text{Average Duration of Stay} = \frac{\text{Total Time Parked by All Vehicles}}{\text{Number of Vehicles Parked}}Average Duration of Stay=Number of Vehicles ParkedTotal Time Parked by All Vehicles​

Significance: This metric is crucial for understanding user behavior and optimizing parking space turnover. Longer average stays might indicate a need for more long-term parking solutions, while shorter stays might suggest a need for quick turnover policies. By analyzing the average duration of stay, parking managers can tailor pricing models (e.g., hourly rates vs. flat rates) and make decisions about space allocation for short-term vs. long-term parking.

4. Revenue per Space

Definition: Revenue per space is the total income generated from each parking space over a specific period, usually a day, week, or month.

Formula:

Revenue per Space=Total RevenueNumber of Parking Spaces\text{Revenue per Space} = \frac{\text{Total Revenue}}{\text{Number of Parking Spaces}}Revenue per Space=Number of Parking SpacesTotal Revenue​

Significance: This KPI is directly linked to the profitability of the parking facility. It helps managers assess the financial performance of each parking space, providing insights into the effectiveness of pricing strategies and occupancy levels. By tracking revenue per space, managers can identify underperforming areas and take corrective actions, such as adjusting prices or improving marketing efforts to attract more users.

5. Payment Compliance Rate

Definition: Payment compliance rate measures the percentage of users who pay for parking as required, compared to the total number of users.

Formula:

Payment Compliance Rate=(Number of Users Who PaidTotal Number of Users)×100\text{Payment Compliance Rate} = \left(\frac{\text{Number of Users Who Paid}}{\text{Total Number of Users}}\right) \times 100Payment Compliance Rate=(Total Number of UsersNumber of Users Who Paid​)×100

Significance: High payment compliance is critical for maximizing revenue and ensuring fairness among users. Low compliance rates might indicate issues such as inadequate payment enforcement, confusion about payment methods, or intentional non-compliance. By monitoring this KPI, parking managers can identify problems with payment processes and take steps to improve compliance, such as enhancing signage, introducing convenient payment options, or increasing enforcement.

6. Violation Rate

Definition: Violation rate refers to the percentage of vehicles that violate parking regulations, such as overstaying time limits, parking in unauthorized areas, or failing to pay.

Formula:

Violation Rate=(Number of ViolationsTotal Number of Parked Vehicles)×100\text{Violation Rate} = \left(\frac{\text{Number of Violations}}{\text{Total Number of Parked Vehicles}}\right) \times 100Violation Rate=(Total Number of Parked VehiclesNumber of Violations​)×100

Significance: A high violation rate can disrupt parking operations, reduce revenue, and create a negative experience for compliant users. Tracking this KPI helps managers understand the extent of non-compliance and take appropriate actions, such as increasing enforcement, revising regulations, or educating users. Reducing the violation rate is essential for maintaining order and ensuring the efficient use of parking facilities.

7. Customer Satisfaction Score

Definition: Customer satisfaction score is a metric that measures users' satisfaction with the parking experience. It is often collected through surveys or feedback forms.

Formula:

Customer Satisfaction Score=Total Satisfaction PointsNumber of Respondents\text{Customer Satisfaction Score} = \frac{\text{Total Satisfaction Points}}{\text{Number of Respondents}}Customer Satisfaction Score=Number of RespondentsTotal Satisfaction Points​

Significance: Customer satisfaction is a key indicator of the overall effectiveness of parking management. High satisfaction scores suggest that users find the parking facility convenient, affordable, and user-friendly. Low scores, on the other hand, may indicate problems such as inadequate signage, poor facility maintenance, or inconvenient payment options. By monitoring customer satisfaction, parking managers can identify areas for improvement and implement changes to enhance the user experience.

8. Utilization Rate

Definition: Utilization rate measures the percentage of time that parking spaces are occupied during operational hours.

Formula:

Utilization Rate=(Total Time Spaces are OccupiedTotal Available Time)×100\text{Utilization Rate} = \left(\frac{\text{Total Time Spaces are Occupied}}{\text{Total Available Time}}\right) \times 100Utilization Rate=(Total Available TimeTotal Time Spaces are Occupied​)×100

Significance: This metric is similar to occupancy rate but provides a more detailed view by considering the actual time that spaces are in use. A high utilization rate indicates that the parking facility is being effectively used, while a low rate may suggest inefficiencies. Understanding utilization patterns helps in optimizing space allocation, adjusting operational hours, and improving overall facility management.

9. Cost per Space

Definition: Cost per space is the total cost associated with operating each parking space, including maintenance, staffing, utilities, and other expenses.

Formula:

Cost per Space=Total Operating CostsNumber of Parking Spaces\text{Cost per Space} = \frac{\text{Total Operating Costs}}{\text{Number of Parking Spaces}}Cost per Space=Number of Parking SpacesTotal Operating Costs​

Significance: This KPI is crucial for understanding the financial efficiency of the parking operation. By comparing cost per space with revenue per space, managers can assess profitability and identify areas where costs can be reduced. For instance, high costs might prompt a review of maintenance procedures, staffing levels, or energy usage.

10. Time to Park

Definition: Time to park measures the average time it takes for a vehicle to enter the facility, find a parking space, and park.

Significance: This metric is important for understanding the efficiency of the parking process. Long times to park can frustrate users and deter them from returning. By tracking this KPI, managers can identify bottlenecks in the parking process and implement measures to reduce parking times, such as improving signage, optimizing space layouts, or deploying guidance systems.

11. Environmental Impact Metrics

Definition: These metrics track the environmental footprint of the parking facility, including energy consumption, emissions, and waste generated.

Significance: As sustainability becomes increasingly important, many parking facilities are focusing on reducing their environmental impact. Tracking these metrics helps managers identify areas for improvement, such as transitioning to energy-efficient lighting, implementing waste reduction programs, or encouraging the use of electric vehicles through charging stations.

12. Revenue per User

Definition: Revenue per user is the average income generated from each individual who uses the parking facility.

Formula:

Revenue per User=Total RevenueNumber of Users\text{Revenue per User} = \frac{\text{Total Revenue}}{\text{Number of Users}}Revenue per User=Number of UsersTotal Revenue​

Significance: This KPI helps managers understand the spending behavior of users and assess the effectiveness of pricing strategies. A higher revenue per user might indicate the success of premium services or higher pricing, while a lower figure might suggest the need for promotional offers or discounts to increase spending.

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