What are dashboards and why is Mn/DOT using them?

Dashboards are tools that will help Mn/DOT measure our performance and provide evidence to our customers that we are evaluating our work to determine where we can improve.

Dashboards are not new to Mn/DOT or Minnesota government. In fact, the federal government's executive level Web site at www.whitehouse.gov/omb/memoranda/m02-02.html includes a scorecard rating of federal agencies that uses a simple "traffic light" grading system: green for success, yellow for mixed results, and red for unsatisfactory.

Mn/DOT's dashboard system follows a similar gauge pattern where green meets our target level of service, yellow is slightly below our target, red is significantly below our target and blue indicates a level of service that is over target. The targets are based on predetermined customer expectations for performance in each area measured.

Performance measurement has become an integral part of Mn/DOT efforts to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness of the transportation network. The measures are based on extensive market research and focus groups to determine how we can better adapt to a changing environment and make business and investment decisions based on public values. Dashboards are the visual representation of these measures.

Dashboards will help Mn/DOT realign resources to be more efficient and responsive. Dashboards will help Mn/DOT clarify individual responsibility and improve accountability. Dashboards will help Mn/DOT achieve an efficient balance between time, cost and quality in the products and services we deliver. Dashboards will help Mn/DOT Move Minnesota.

Dashboards help us understand what we do:

• Build, operate and maintain transportation systems
• Determine, administer and manage financial investments and programs
• Regulate transportation policy and standards
• Conduct research, provide information and educate stakeholders about transportation

And how we do it:

• Advocate the use and development of transportation modes - transit, air, railroads and waterways - owned and operated by local governments and private operators.
• Construct, operate and maintain the state's 12,000-mile trunk highway system.
• Provide financial resources for county and municipal roads generated by the constitutional funding sources.
• Administer general and policy functions for the department and commissioner's office and construct and maintain the department's buildings.

Should help us more directly meet customer needs for…

• A safe trip
• A time predictable trip
• A smooth, uninterrupted trip
• Accurate and reliable transportation information
• Responsible use of resources

Dashboards and Performance Measures at Mn/DOT

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