Type of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) in SharePoint

Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) in SharePoint vary based on the datasource based on which they are created. SharePoint 2007 allows creating of KPI’s from the following data sources.

SharePoint Lists
The built in SharePoint Lists can be used as a data source to create KPI’s, these KPI’s read data from the SharePoint Lists and display the status in the KPI’s. When the data in the List gets updated the KPI’s display also gets updated automatically.

This type of KPI’s can be built for simple reports like Target vs. Actual sales.

SQL Server Analysis Services
KPI’s can be created by integrating with SQL Server Analysis Services, these KPI’s read data from the underlying SSAS cubes, these KPI’s are a bit complex, we need to define the source data and configure the KPI’s to use the data from SSAS.

This type of KPI can be used for complex reports. 

Excel Workbooks
KPI’s can also be created by using data from Excel workbooks, these KPI’s read data from the underlying excel workbooks, when the data in the workbook changes the KPI display also gets updated automatically.

These type of KPI’s can be created to user the legacy data which is already present in excel workbooks and needs to provide a visual representation of the data.

Manual
The last type is the Manual KPI, here the data for the KPI is manually entered and updated. The display gets updated when the data is updated.