How to Build a NetSuite Dashboard That Actually Helps You Run a Factory
Stop wasting time digging through reports. Build dashboards that surface what matters—so your team can act faster, spot issues earlier, and make smarter decisions every day. Whether you’re managing inventory, cash flow, or production schedules, this guide shows you how to design dashboards that actually drive performance. Clear, practical advice you can use to build dashboards that work for your factory, starting today.
Most dashboards look polished but don’t actually help anyone make better decisions. They’re often built around data availability, not operational needs. You’ve probably seen dashboards stuffed with graphs, KPIs, and reminders—yet no one uses them to run the business. That’s because they weren’t designed to answer real questions or trigger action.
If you want dashboards that actually help your team move faster, you need to flip the approach. Start with the decisions each role makes, then reverse-engineer the data that supports those decisions. That’s how you build dashboards that drive performance, not just visibility.
Designing Dashboards for Operations Leaders
Surface what’s slowing you down—before it becomes a problem
Operations leaders don’t need more data—they need clarity. Their job is to keep production flowing, minimize downtime, and hit output targets. A dashboard that helps them do that should feel like a control panel, not a spreadsheet. It should highlight exceptions, show trends, and make it obvious where to focus next.
Start by identifying the 5–7 metrics that directly impact daily decisions. These aren’t vanity KPIs—they’re levers. Think cycle time, scrap rate, machine uptime, labor utilization, and open work orders. If a metric doesn’t help someone act faster or smarter, it doesn’t belong on the dashboard. You can always include drill-downs for deeper analysis, but the top-level view should be clean and focused.
As a sample scenario, a packaging manufacturer builds a dashboard that tracks average cycle time per machine, scrap rate by shift, and open work orders by priority. One morning, the dashboard flags a spike in scrap on Line 3. The supervisor sees it immediately, checks the operator notes, and finds a misaligned sensor. They fix it before the next batch runs—saving hours of rework and thousands in wasted material. That’s what a good dashboard does: it shortens the time between problem and action.
Here’s a simple way to structure an operations dashboard:
| KPI Name | Why It Matters | Action Triggered When Off Target |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Time per Line | Reveals bottlenecks and inefficiencies | Investigate tooling, operator, or setup |
| Scrap Rate by Shift | Flags quality issues | Review process, retrain, inspect inputs |
| Machine Uptime % | Tracks equipment reliability | Schedule maintenance or escalate vendor |
| Labor Utilization | Measures workforce efficiency | Reassign tasks or adjust shift planning |
| Open Work Orders | Shows production backlog | Prioritize, escalate, or adjust schedule |
Don’t underestimate the power of visual cues. Conditional formatting—red for issues, green for normal—helps operators and supervisors scan quickly and act. You’re not just showing data; you’re guiding attention. And when attention is focused, decisions get faster.
Another sample scenario: a metal stamping plant uses a dashboard to monitor tool change frequency and downtime per press. When one press shows a 30% increase in downtime over the past week, the dashboard flags it. The plant manager sees it, checks the maintenance logs, and finds that a new operator skipped a lubrication step. They fix the process and retrain the team. That dashboard didn’t just report a problem—it helped prevent a bigger one.
You can also use trend graphs to show performance over time. A spike in scrap rate might be noise—but a steady climb over three weeks is a signal. Here’s how that might look:
| Metric | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrap Rate (%) | 2.1 | 2.4 | 3.0 | 3.5 | ↑ |
| Downtime (hrs) | 12 | 10 | 14 | 16 | ↑ |
| Labor Utilization % | 78 | 80 | 76 | 74 | ↓ |
When you see these trends in one place, it’s easier to connect the dots. Maybe scrap is rising because labor utilization is dropping. Maybe downtime is creeping up because maintenance is behind. A good dashboard doesn’t just show metrics—it helps you ask better questions.
And that’s the real goal: helping your operations team make faster, smarter decisions without digging through reports. When your dashboard becomes their daily tool—not just a monthly review—you know it’s working.
Dashboards for Finance Leaders
Turn numbers into clarity—and clarity into control
Finance leaders don’t need to see machine uptime or shift performance. What they care about is how those activities affect margins, cash flow, and financial risk. A well-built dashboard for finance should connect production realities to financial outcomes. That means surfacing the metrics that influence profitability, liquidity, and forecasting accuracy.
Start with the basics: gross margin by product line, inventory aging, open purchase orders, and receivables aging. But don’t stop there. The real value comes when you link financial metrics to production and supply chain triggers. If a delay in raw materials pushes out delivery dates, the dashboard should show the downstream impact on cash inflows. If scrap rates rise, the dashboard should show how that erodes margin on affected SKUs.
As a sample scenario, a food processor builds a dashboard that tracks margin erosion by SKU. When ingredient costs spike due to supplier issues, the dashboard flags which products are now below target margin. The CFO sees this and initiates a pricing review, while procurement renegotiates terms. That dashboard didn’t just report a number—it helped protect profitability before month-end.
Here’s a sample layout for a finance dashboard:
| Metric | Why It Matters | Action Triggered When Off Target |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin by SKU | Tracks profitability at the product level | Adjust pricing or cost inputs |
| Inventory Aging | Reveals slow-moving or obsolete stock | Discount, bundle, or write down |
| Open POs by Vendor | Shows upcoming cash outflows | Delay, renegotiate, or consolidate orders |
| Receivables Aging | Flags delayed payments | Escalate collections or adjust terms |
| Forecasted Cash Flow | Projects liquidity over time | Adjust spend, financing, or production |
Finance dashboards should also include visualizations that show trends and risks. A waterfall chart showing margin impact by cost component can help pinpoint where profitability is slipping. A line graph showing forecasted cash flow vs actual can reveal forecasting gaps. These visuals aren’t just informative—they’re decision tools.
As another sample scenario, a furniture manufacturer uses a dashboard to track inventory value by warehouse and aging buckets. When one warehouse shows a spike in aged inventory, the CFO investigates and finds that a discontinued product was never written down. They act quickly to clear the stock and adjust the books. That dashboard didn’t just show a number—it helped recover working capital.
Dashboards for Supply Chain Leaders
Give your team visibility—and leverage
Supply chain leaders are constantly balancing risk, cost, and timing. Their dashboard should help them see what’s coming, what’s stuck, and what’s at risk. That means surfacing metrics like supplier performance, inbound shipments, inventory turns, and reorder points. But the real power comes when you visualize flow—not just numbers.
Start with supplier OTIF (on-time, in-full) rates, lead times, and open inbound shipments. Then layer in inventory levels, reorder alerts, and demand forecasts. The goal is to help supply chain leaders anticipate problems before they hit production—and act before they become expensive.
As a sample scenario, an electronics manufacturer builds a dashboard that tracks supplier OTIF rates and inbound shipment status. When a key supplier drops below 85% OTIF, the dashboard flags it and shows which components are at risk. The supply chain lead escalates the issue and activates a backup vendor. Production continues without disruption. That dashboard didn’t just report a delay—it helped avoid one.
Here’s a sample dashboard layout for supply chain:
| Metric | Why It Matters | Action Triggered When Off Target |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier OTIF % | Measures reliability of vendors | Escalate, renegotiate, or switch vendor |
| Inbound Shipment Status | Tracks delivery timing | Expedite, reroute, or adjust production |
| Inventory Turns | Reveals stock efficiency | Adjust reorder points or SKU mix |
| Reorder Point Alerts | Prevents stockouts | Trigger purchase or production orders |
| Lead Time by SKU | Helps plan production and delivery | Adjust schedules or buffer inventory |
Visual tools like maps and timelines make supply chain dashboards more actionable. A map showing delayed shipments by region helps you see where risk is concentrated. A timeline showing lead time variability helps you plan better. These aren’t just visuals—they’re leverage.
As another sample scenario, a chemical manufacturer uses a dashboard to monitor inbound shipments of key solvents. When a shipment is delayed, the dashboard shows which batches will be affected. The supply chain lead adjusts the production schedule and informs sales. That dashboard didn’t just show a delay—it helped manage expectations and protect customer trust.
Building It in NetSuite
Don’t just plug in KPIs—design for decisions
NetSuite gives you powerful tools: saved searches, KPIs, reminders, trend graphs, and custom portlets. But the real impact comes when you use them intentionally. That means designing dashboards around decisions—not just data availability.
Start by mapping out the decisions each role makes daily, weekly, and monthly. Then identify the NetSuite records and saved searches that support those decisions. Use KPIs for high-level metrics, reminders for tasks, and graphs for trends. Keep the layout clean—top-level KPIs at the top, visuals in the middle, and drill-downs below.
Here’s a sample dashboard layout structure:
| Dashboard Element | Best Use Case | Placement Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| KPI Metrics | High-level performance indicators | Top row |
| Trend Graphs | Show performance over time | Middle section |
| Reminders | Task and alert management | Sidebar or bottom |
| Saved Search Portlets | Drill-downs and detailed views | Lower section or tabs |
| Custom Links | Quick access to reports or records | Sidebar or header |
Use custom roles to control visibility. Your maintenance lead doesn’t need to see financials. Your CFO doesn’t need to see machine logs. Role-based dashboards aren’t just cleaner—they’re safer and more useful.
As a sample scenario, a plastics manufacturer builds separate dashboards for production supervisors, finance leads, and procurement. Each dashboard shows only what that role needs. Supervisors see cycle time and scrap rate. Finance sees margin and cash flow. Procurement sees supplier performance and open POs. Everyone moves faster—and no one wastes time filtering through irrelevant data.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t let your dashboard become a data graveyard
Too many dashboards fail because they try to do too much. They become cluttered, confusing, and ignored. The most common mistake? Treating dashboards like data warehouses. You’re not building a report—you’re building a decision tool.
Avoid stuffing dashboards with every metric you can find. If a KPI doesn’t help someone act, it doesn’t belong. Focus on 5–7 core metrics per role. Use drill-downs for deeper analysis, but keep the top-level view clean.
Another mistake: showing numbers without context. A scrap rate of 3% means nothing unless you know the target is 2%. A margin of 18% might look fine—until you see it’s down from 24% last quarter. Always show targets, trends, or comparisons.
And don’t forget actionability. If a dashboard shows a problem but doesn’t help someone act, it’s just noise. Use alerts, reminders, and conditional formatting to guide attention. Make it obvious what needs action—and what doesn’t.
What Great Dashboards Actually Do
They help your factory move faster—with less guesswork
When dashboards are built around decisions, they become tools your team actually uses. They reduce decision time, surface problems early, and align teams around shared goals. They don’t just show data—they drive action.
You’ll know your dashboards are working when your team stops asking for reports. When your plant manager spots a problem before it hits production. When your CFO adjusts spend before cash gets tight. When your supply chain lead reroutes shipments before delays hit customers.
Great dashboards don’t just inform—they empower. They help your team move faster, act smarter, and stay focused on what matters. And when that happens, your factory runs better—every day.
3 Clear, Actionable Takeaways
- Design dashboards around decisions, not data. Start with what each role needs to act on, then build from there.
- Keep dashboards lean and focused. Limit top-level KPIs to 5–7 per role. Use visuals and alerts to guide attention.
- Test with real users. Sit with your team, walk through the dashboard, and ask: “Does this help you move faster?”
Top 5 FAQs About NetSuite Dashboards for Manufacturers
How many dashboards should I build in NetSuite? Build one per core role—operations, finance, supply chain, and any other decision-making function. Avoid one-size-fits-all dashboards.
Can I use NetSuite dashboards for real-time decisions? Yes, if you design them around live data and saved searches. Use alerts and KPIs that update frequently.
What’s the best way to visualize trends in NetSuite? Use trend graphs and saved search portlets. Combine them with conditional formatting to highlight changes.
How do I know if my dashboard is working? Ask your team: are they using it daily? Is it helping them act faster? If not, simplify and refocus.
Should I include financial data in operations dashboards? Only if it helps the role make better decisions. Otherwise, keep financials in finance dashboards.
Summary
Dashboards aren’t just screens—they’re decision tools. When built intentionally, they help your team move faster, act smarter, and stay focused on what matters. That’s the difference between a dashboard that gets ignored and one that becomes part of your daily rhythm.
If you’re running a factory, you already know how quickly things can shift—materials delayed, machines down, margins squeezed. A well-designed dashboard doesn’t just show you what happened yesterday. It helps you see what’s coming tomorrow. It gives each leader the clarity they need to act without waiting for a report or a meeting.
The best dashboards are lean, role-specific, and built around decisions. They don’t try to impress—they try to help. Whether you’re managing production, finance, or supply chain, the right dashboard can turn complexity into clarity and delays into action. And when your team has that kind of visibility, your factory doesn’t just run—it improves. Every day.