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Key Performance Indicator

A Key Performance Indicator is a quantifiable metric used to evaluate the success of an organization, team, or process in meeting specific performance objectives.

In Depth

Key Performance Indicators provide the framework for measuring and managing customer support effectiveness. Well-designed KPIs follow the SMART criteria: Specific (clearly defined), Measurable (quantifiable), Achievable (realistic), Relevant (aligned with goals), and Time-bound (tracked over defined periods). Support KPIs typically fall into categories: efficiency (handle time, utilization), quality (CSAT, FCR, quality scores), volume (tickets per agent, channel distribution), financial (cost per contact, ROI), and customer impact (NPS, CES, churn rate).

AI introduces new KPI dimensions: containment rate (percentage of conversations fully handled by AI), accuracy rate (correctness of AI responses), handoff rate (conversations escalated to humans), and time-to-automation (speed of deploying new AI capabilities). A balanced KPI framework combines operational efficiency with customer outcome metrics.

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