Scientific paper ID 784 : 2013/3

This article deals with the problems of obtaining of good results in doing business in the area of transportation and logistics, which is the key foundation upon which all other economic sector depend. Based on the data trends evident in the 2012, it can be concluded that the period of recession has been prolonged, and still has negative influence on logistics and transportation companies and on society generally. Operators are focused on costs reduction and efficiency improvement. To analyze and measure their progress toward aimed goals, companies use numerous indicators, especially Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The article gives a comprehensive overview of KPIs commonly used in the transportation and logistics. It is highlighted that KPIs should be relevant, specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed. On that basis, KPIs are divided into six groups, and analyzed. In the analysis the application of dashboards for monitoring of business and performances trends is suggested. Dashboards make possible to visualize recorded and processed data, and give an opportunity to managers to make their decisions faster and more accurately. At the end of the article a dashboard example is shown as well as a graphical representation of the data flow during data processing in one popular system of data collecting, processing, and representation. The article ends with conclusions and a rich list of references.