Leistungskennwerte

Leistungskennwerte, often translated as performance indicators or KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), are quantitative measures used to assess the performance of a process, system, or organization. They translate strategic or operational objectives into measurable values and support monitoring, benchmarking, and decision making. A Leistungskennwert is defined by its scope, the metric, the data source, the calculation method, and the time period over which it is observed.

They are most useful when they are relevant, measurable, and controllable, and when they can be compared over time or against benchmarks. Selection should align with goals, avoid excessive complexity, and be complemented by targets and baselines. Data quality, consistency, and documentation are essential to ensure comparability.

Typical examples include efficiency and utilization metrics (such as output per input, equipment utilization), quality metrics (defect rate, first-pass yield), reliability and availability metrics (uptime, MTBF—mean time between failures), and process speed metrics (cycle time, lead time). In services, customer-related indicators like on-time delivery, response time, or customer satisfaction may also serve as Leistungskennwerte. In energy or manufacturing contexts, energy consumption per unit or energy efficiency is common.

In practice, Leistungskennwerte are used in dashboards and reports, in performance management, and in continuous improvement initiatives. Their value depends on clear definitions, timely data, and responsible interpretation; they should support, not distort, decisions and should be reviewed to reflect changing goals and conditions. The term is closely related to the English concept of key performance indicators (KPIs).