Introducing Scorpion: Harmonizing and Aggregating Key Performance Indicators Across the NFDI Ecosystem

In today's data-driven world, key performance indicators (KPIs) are becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of research funding. Funding organizations such as the DFG require projects to systematically record and report KPIs to ensure the efficiency, transparency, and quality of funded projects. These requirements aim to evaluate the progress of research initiatives and measure the achievement of objectives, enabling well-founded decision-making and the targeted allocation of funds. As a result, the ability to effectively monitor and report on KPIs has become a critical component of successful project management within research environments. As part of the de.NBI project, extensive preliminary work has already been carried out in the area of KPI monitoring. This preparatory work forms a solid foundation on which the NFDIs build. By sharing best practices and developing standardized indicators, the NFDIs can ensure that they meet the requirements of the funders while simultaneously promoting consistent and comprehensible data collection and evaluation. This collaborative effort streamlines the reporting processes that are necessary for accountability and transparency in the utilization of public funds. The KPI Dashboard Scorpion emerges as a software solution for the federated monitoring of KPIs. Scorpion builds on local measurements of KPIs by the service providers, integrating the data in a central dashboard using a web interface or the REST API. It features a flexible, category-based KPI framework that enables users to optimally map and customize their specific KPIs according to their needs. This adaptability is crucial in diverse research contexts, where different projects may have varying metrics for success. Furthermore, Scorpion stores comprehensive metadata on the respective services, ensuring a well-founded evaluation and in-depth analysis of the collected data in context of service groups (consortia). The software not only aids in data aggregation and harmonization but also enhances data visualization and reporting capabilities, providing stakeholders with actionable insights that can drive continuous improvement in service quality. Notably, the NFDI4Biodiversity consortium utilizes Scorpion in its Service Portfolio Management, demonstrating the practical application of the software in managing and optimizing service offerings. With this Scorpion illustrates, how it can effectively support the strategic goals of research initiatives by providing clear insights into performance metrics. Additionally, other NFDI consortia such as NFDI4Microbiota, DataPLANT, and FAIRagro, along with initiatives like de.NBI / ELIXIR-DE, have expressed interest in or already adopted Scorpion to facilitate their KPI monitoring efforts. This widespread interest underscores Scorpion's potential as a robust tool for enhancing KPI management across diverse research domains. In conclusion, the KPI Dashboard Scorpion stands out as a vital resource for projects seeking to meet the evolving demands of research funding agencies. By offering a user-friendly interface for data collection and comprehensive reporting capabilities, Scorpion addresses the critical need for effective, federated KPI monitoring in the research landscape. Its adoption by multiple consortia and initiatives reflects its versatility and effectiveness, positioning it as a key player in the future of research project management and evaluation.