Glossary
The Visual KPI glossary page aims to help you understand the key terms and concepts used within the Transpara solution. Whether you are new to Visual KPI or an experienced user, use this page content as a reference to navigate the terminology and features of the platform.
Use the search bar to find the concept you're looking for, or use the letter selector to reduce the list.
Actual
Refers to the current or real-time value of a KPI. It represents the most recent data point collected from the source system.
Ad-Hoc
In Visual KPI and Transpara, Ad-Hoc refers to customized items, created or configured for a particular purpose as necessary. Ad-Hoc Trends are an example of this.
Alert
A notification generated by the Visual KPI system when a KPI crosses a predefined threshold or limit. Alerts can be configured to notify users via various channels such as email or SMS.
Attributes
Properties associated with an object or KPI. Attributes can include metadata such as the name, description, unit of measure, tags, and other relevant information that helps in understanding the context of the data.
Dashboard
Dashboards are a visualization option available in Visual KPI. You can customize dashboards that aren't locked and create as many new dashboards as you want with any objects you need. You can add Group Rollups, KPI list views, geo maps, and embedded links to external resources. Dashboards are tied to Profiles and Profile Groups.
Data decoration
The process of enhancing raw data with additional information or formatting to make it more understandable and visually appealing. This can include adding colors, icons, or other visual cues to represent data states or trends.
Escalating alert
An alert that increases in severity or priority if not addressed within a specified timeframe. This type of alert is designed to ensure that critical issues are promptly brought to the attention of the responsible.
Group
In Visual KPI, groups and hierarchy are used interchangeably to refer to the same feature, categorizing and managing data elements. Groups help separate KPIs for specific locations, making navigation easier. Groups work similarly to your computer's folder structure. However, you can have the same KPI or object in more than one group.
Interface
A Visual KPI interface is an essential component that functions as a data connector between external databases and the Visual KPI server. Interfaces retrieve data from external systems in a read-only and lightweight manner, ensuring the original data remains intact while standardizing it for use within the Visual KPI server.
KPI
KPI stands for Key Performance Indicator, measurable value organizations use to evaluate their success in achieving specific business objectives. Simply put, it refers to something you consider important enough to monitor that should behave as expected.
KPI Metadata
Context KPI information, such as name, description, groups the KPI belongs to, limits.
Limit
A predefined threshold or boundary for a KPI. Limits are used to define the range of acceptable performance and to trigger alerts when the actual value exceeds these boundaries.
Object
Objects are all the components that can compose the graphical interface of Visual KPI, including graphs, links, groups, etc.
ODBC
Open Database Connectivity. It's a standard programming interface for accessing and managing databases. ODBC allows applications to interact with various database management systems (DBMS) using a common method, regardless of the specific DBMS being used.
Pen
Each line in a trend is a pen, and each pen is associated with a data set. You can have up to 20 pens in a trend, meaning you can trend 20 data sets in one chart.
PI
PI stands for Process Information, depending on the interpretation. PI reflects the system's ability to collect, store, and analyze vast amounts of data from different sources to provide insights into operational efficiency, process optimization, and decision-making support.
Profile
A set of user-specific settings and preferences within the Visual KPI. Profiles can include dashboards, watchlists, and bookmark bars. Profiles can be private or public and designated to one user or a group of users.
Remote Context Server (RCS)
RCS comprises a set of interfaces and queries that enable the reading of metadata or configuration information from various business applications or sources of contextual information. Visual KPI then uses this information to create and configure objects in the system.
SPC
Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a method for monitoring, controlling, and improving processes based on statistical analysis. It is a measure of whether processes are within control limits. SPC charts are used to detect trends or shifts in data over time.
State
The current condition or status of a KPI, often represented visually (e.g., green for good, red for critical). Visual KPI uses Low Low Low, Low Low, Low, Target, High, High High, and High High High standard states.
Target
The desired or expected value for a KPI or metric. Targets are used to set goals and measure performance against these goals.
Time Range
The specific period of time for which data is displayed or analyzed. Time ranges can be customized to focus on specific intervals such as daily, weekly, or monthly.
Time Series
A sequence of data points indexed in time order.
Timestamp
A specific point in time associated with a data point, indicating when the data was collected or recorded.
Trends
Trends, or Ad Hoc Trends, are one of the most powerful features of Visual KPI because they are so highly configurable. You can save an Ad Hoc Trend, add it to the Dashboard, and update it in real time. Trends can contain up to 20 pens.
Unknown State
When the actual value of a KPI exceeds the logical range defined by the minimum and maximum limits, the KPI enters an unknown state. If you analyze a percentage-based KPI whose value exceeds 100 or becomes negative, it enters the unknown state, for example.
Watchlist
A list of KPIs a user has chosen to monitor closely. Watchlists allow users to focus on the most critical indicators for their specific needs or responsibilities.