Learn Material — Block: Executive Summary

1. What Is This Block?

Executive Summary gives a quick snapshot of your most important metrics in rectangular blocks:

• Metric name
• Current value
• Difference vs. previous period

In WHAT IF mode, each block shows current vs. projected values with two semi-circular lines (“rainbow”), with color indicating whether the change is positive or negative.

By default, 4 metrics are shown, expandable to 10 — allowing you to focus on what matters most.

2. Why This Block Matters

Executive Summary condenses complex data into actionable insights at a glance:

• Shows trends and deltas across periods
• Highlights financial and operational impact of decisions
• Supports rapid evaluation before committing to actions
• Turns static numbers into decision-oriented visuals

Without it, users may know current values but cannot see how actions affect metrics across time or across scenarios.

3. What You Unlock With This Block

Using Executive Summary, you can:

• See projected impact of decisions via WHAT IF scenarios
• Compare multiple metrics simultaneously
• Identify which actions improve operational health and reduce risks (stockout, overstock, excessive fees)
• Understand how inventory, fees, and turnover interact
• Quickly drill down into metrics that need attention

4. How It Works (Conceptually)

Each block aggregates one metric with:

• Current value
• Previous period value

In WHAT IF mode:

• A rainbow visual shows current vs. projected values
• Color and direction immediately indicate whether the change is positive or negative

It works synergistically with Inventory Performance:

• Inventory Performance shows trends and timing
• Executive Summary shows the impact of potential actions on key metrics

Users can expand to view up to 10 metrics, customizing which are most relevant.

5. Interaction With WHAT IF Scenarios

Executive Summary updates dynamically based on the user’s WHAT IF parameters.

Users can:

• Test changes in orders, shipments, or stock levels
• Simulate impact on storage, shipping fees, and other operational metrics
• See color-coded risk and opportunity signals immediately

This transforms static numbers into interactive decision-making tools.

6. Common Misconceptions

• “Metrics are fine if current values look good” — ignores projected changes
• “Greyed previous value is irrelevant” — comparison is key to spotting trends
• “Colors are arbitrary” — colors indicate direction and quality of change

7. What To Do Next

After reviewing Executive Summary:

• Run a WHAT IF scenario to test replenishment, orders, or other operational decisions
• Check Inventory Performance for deeper trend analysis
• Plan actions based on projected improvements or risks