What is a Key Performance Indicator? Definition and meaning

Key Performance Indicator

Definition: a Key Performance Indicator is a quantifiable gauge or measure that an organization uses to measure its strategic performance in terms of meeting its purpose, goals or objectives as typically translated into Critical Success Factors.
Normally several KPIs and corresponding performance targets are used to monitor one CSF.
A KPI can be financial or non-financial.
The realization of an objective at some level typically depends on several CSFs, which are each measured by several KPIs with corresponding performance targets.
KPIs are frequently used in Balanced Scorecard and Business Performance Management systems.

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