To ensure end-user satisfaction, measuring and maintaining expectations in support activities is essential. Fortunately, affordable incident and service request software is ubiquitous and enables tracking and analysis of ITSM key performance indicators (KPIs). Here are the commonly tracked metrics:
An important metric for service desk evaluation is the number of alerts generated over specific time intervals. By tracking and analyzing these alerts, service desk managers can gain insights into the overall workload and identify any patterns or trends. This information helps in making informed decisions, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing strategies to address spikes or dips in alert volume. It also enables organizations to proactively manage and mitigate potential issues.
FCR measures the percentage of customer interactions, such as incidents or service requests, that are resolved during the initial contact with the customer, typically at Tier 1 (Level 1) support. A high FCR indicates efficient and effective problem-solving, leading to improved customer satisfaction. By resolving issues on first contact, organizations can reduce the need for additional support tiers, ultimately saving time and resources.
Tracking the frequency of end-user-reported incidents provides valuable insights into the stability and performance of IT systems. Analyzing incidents over time helps identify patterns, anomalies, or recurring issues. It enables service desk managers to assess the effectiveness of their incident management processes, implement proactive measures to prevent incidents, and allocate resources strategically to address increasing incident volumes.
MTBF is a measure of the average interval between repairable failures. It quantifies the reliability and uptime of IT systems and infrastructure. By monitoring MTBF, organizations can evaluate the performance of their technology assets and identify areas for improvement. This metric helps optimize maintenance schedules, assess the impact of failures on service delivery, and make informed decisions about system upgrades or replacements.
MTTA measures the average time it takes for the service desk team to acknowledge an incident or service request after receiving an alert or notification. A low MTTA indicates prompt responsiveness and proactive support. By monitoring and reducing MTTA, organizations can ensure timely attention to customer issues, enhance user experience, and minimize downtime or disruptions.
MTTD represents the average time it takes to detect an issue or anomaly in the IT environment. This metric is particularly crucial in cybersecurity, where swift detection is vital for preventing or mitigating potential threats. By reducing MTTD, organizations can enhance their incident response capabilities, minimize the impact of security breaches, and safeguard sensitive data.
MTTR measures the average time taken to respond, recover, repair, or resolve incidents. It encompasses the entire incident lifecycle, including diagnosis, troubleshooting, resolution, and follow-up actions. By optimizing MTTR, service desk teams can ensure efficient incident management, minimize service disruptions, and improve overall service levels.
Monitoring the amount of time support team members spend on-call helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevent excessive workload. By tracking on-call time, organizations can assess resource allocation, identify potential staffing gaps, and ensure the availability of qualified personnel to address critical incidents promptly.
SLAs define specific measurable targets and commitments between a service provider and its customers. These agreements typically cover aspects such as response times, resolution times, uptime guarantees, and service quality expectations. Monitoring SLA metrics ensures compliance with contractual obligations, provides transparency to customers, and helps service desk teams focus on meeting or exceeding performance targets.