Tin openers versus dials

Neil Carter (1989, p. 134) on the limits of data dashboards and mindless use of KPIs:

“… the majority of indicators are tin-openers rather than dials: by opening up a ‘can of worms’ they do not give answers but prompt interrogation and inquiry, and by themselves provide an incomplete and inaccurate picture.”

Carter, N. (1989). Performance indicators: ‘Backseat driving’ or ‘hands off’control? Policy & Politics, 17(2), 131-138.