--- title: 3 Questions to Consider Before Implementing BSC Software description: Software is not a silver bullet. Here are 3 questions to ask before a balanced scorecard technology implementation. image: https://www.esmgrp.com/hubfs/Stock_Photos/pen-calendar-to-do-checklist-red.min.jpg --- {% set baseFontFamily = "Open Sans" %} /* Add the font family you wish to use. You may need to import it above. */ {% set headerFontFamily = "Open Sans" %} /* This affects only headers on the site. Add the font family you wish to use. You may need to import it above. */ {% set textColor = "#565656" %} /* This sets the universal color of dark text on the site */ {% set pageCenter = "1600px" %} /* This sets the width of the website */ {% set headerType = "fixed" %} /* To make this a fixed header, change the value to "fixed" - otherwise, set it to "static" */ {% set lightGreyColor = "#f7f7f7" %} /* This affects all grey background sections */ {% set baseFontWeight = "normal" %} /* More than likely, you will use one of these values (higher = bolder): 300, 400, 700, 900 */ {% set headerFontWeight = "normal" %} /* For Headers; More than likely, you will use one of these values (higher = bolder): 300, 400, 700, 900 */ {% set buttonRadius = '10px' %} /* "0" for square edges, "10px" for rounded edges, "40px" for pill shape; This will change all buttons */ ### After you have updated your stylesheet, make sure you turn this module off [![EMS logo for social share](https://www.esmgrp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2021%20Website%20Refresh/logos%20-%20company%20and%20products/EMS%20logo%20for%20social%20share.png?width=206&height=120&name=EMS%20logo%20for%20social%20share.png "EMS logo for social share")](https://www.esmgrp.com) # 3 Questions to Consider Before Implementing BSC Software by ![](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/0fed0922a207a8af8dbb68d8886c561f) **[Danny Solow](https://www.esmgrp.com/blog/author/danny-solow)** on September 13, 2017 [**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsolow?trk=hp-identity-name) It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that software will single-handedly jump-start your Balanced Scorecard process. Although technology and tools provide Balanced Scorecards with easy reporting interfaces, concrete views, and version control, the underlying BSC process still needs to be grounded with a clear vision and purpose. Before launching into a Balanced Scorecard implementation, I recommend to clients that they spend a full morning working to understand why and how they want to *use* the Balanced Scorecard. ### **1. Why are you using the Balanced Scorecard? What are your goals?** If you’ve been using the Balanced Scorecard for a while, this answer may come easily to you. However, if you’re just launching your performance management system, the vision may be a bit fuzzier. Common responses include: ### **2. How often do you want to meet and review Balanced Scorecard data?** This question gets at how you actually want to leverage the scorecard. Do you want to quickly discuss items on a monthly basis with your team, as a quasi-operational discussion with a strategic context? Or do you want to align leadership and the board on a quarterly frequency ([which we recommend](https://www.esmgrp.com/blog/strategy-review-meeting-frequency)), with a greater emphasis on the big picture over tactics.   ![Sample Strategy Governance Calendar](https://www.esmgrp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BSC_and_Blog_Process_Images/Sample%20Governance%20Calendar.png?width=700&name=Sample%20Governance%20Calendar.png "Sample Strategy Governance Calendar") ### **3. Who is going to collect data?** Organizations generally centralize or decentralize the BSC management process, depending on the size of the organization and office of strategy management. For small organizations that have an employee dedicated to the strategy management process, a centralized approach where a single employee is responsible for large pieces of data collection and BSC oversight may be most efficient. Larger organizations with multiple scorecards and people facilitating the BSC process may elect to further decentralize the process, with separate KPI, objective, and initiative owners all entering their own data. With a decentralized approach, it is critical to identify if senior leaders will take on the accountability of updating the BSC, or if they will have delegates assisting. ![BSC ownership among your team is a critical step in defining your process.](https://www.esmgrp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BSC_and_Blog_Process_Images/BSC%20Ownership%20Matrix.png?width=700&name=BSC%20Ownership%20Matrix.png "BSC ownership among your team is a critical step in defining your process.") Most commonly there is a mix between centralized and decentralized data collection, where administrators may take on chunks of work, and other strategy owners have their own assigned responsibilities. Regardless of the exact approach, the intent of answering this question is to more clearly define the scope of your Balanced Scorecard, who will take ownership, and how the ownership will be divided across and down the organization. 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