Graph # 2 of 8 From Company Dashboard - Actual vs Gross Margin

We are now at day #2 of my series of graphs for a custom dashboard.

I have spent a lot of time selecting the right metrics, the right graphs, simplifying those graphs and building the data table so a company even with a simple accounting system can enter the numbers quickly into the table.

If you would like to take a look at the data table that powers the graphs, just send me an email through this site's contact form and I will share it with you.

I am always improving the dashboard so even if you have a copy, if it has been a while - ask me for the most up to date version.

As for this graph, we are still in the Sales Metrics section of the dashboard. This graph looks to make sure the company is not giving away its products at a low sales price. And at the very least to understand if it is selling its products at it's budgeted gross margin.

Another issue the graph may point out is if the product mix of your sales is different than expected in a particular month. For example, you may have sold a lot of a high margin item that bumped up your average for the month.

Or, you may have liquidated some stale inventory at a loss or at a lower gross margin than you budgeted.

Be sure to know what your target Gross Margin Percentage is to understand why it fluctuates from month to month.

In this example, the budget reflects large sales of products with different gross margins. That is why the gross margins from month to month vary.