Indicators serve as statistical values for assessing current conditions and predicting future trends and outcomes. A leading or proactive indicator acts as a precursor to future success, whereas a lagging or retrospective indicator reflects the organization’s past performance in achieving results. In other words, it helps identify patterns that led to a specific level of performance (1).
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are critical metrics that track progress toward a defined goal or outcome. Managing with KPIs often involves improving leading or proactive indicators, which in turn generate long-term benefits (1).