Training analytics moves beyond completions. You need a data model, governance, and dashboards that connect learning to performance and business impact—so leaders can decide where to invest.
This guide shows how to structure metrics, build ROI dashboards, and use data to optimize programs.
Analytics & ROI Framework
Training Analytics Stack
From foundations to actions: data, learning, performance, business, ROI.
Foundations
Data model, xAPI/LRS, governance
Learning Metrics
Completion, assessments, skills
Performance Metrics
Behavior, productivity, quality
Business Impact
Revenue, cost, risk, CX
ROI & Payback
Benefits, costs, time-to-value
Actions & Decisions
Optimize content, channels, investment
Metrics That Matter
Metric Levels
Balance leading and lagging indicators across learning, performance, business, and ROI.
| Feature | Level | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning | Completion, assessment, skills | Leading indicators | |
| Performance | Behavior, productivity, quality | Proximal outcomes | |
| Business | Revenue, cost, risk, CX | Lagging outcomes | |
| ROI | Benefits, costs, payback | Decision support |
Data, Governance, and Visualization
Governance & Privacy
Define data sources, consent, retention, and access. Include vendor risk reviews and align with security. Connect to learning tech stack choices.
Dashboards & Visualization
Segment by role, cohort, program. Show leading and lagging indicators together. Tie to business KPIs stakeholders care about.
Training Analytics Dashboard Metrics
Connect learning to performance and business outcomes; include ROI.
Completion → Proficiency
+18 pts
Behavior Change
+14%
Business Impact
$1.8M
Payback Period
5.2 months
DataFirst
Technology
Challenge
Training impact was unclear; leaders saw only completions. Investment decisions stalled.
Solution
Built an xAPI-based data model, role-based dashboards, and ROI calculations. Added governance and vendor data reviews.
Results
+18 pts
+14%
$1.8M realized
5.2 months (-1.6)
Related Resources
Training Analytics & ROI Toolkit
Download data model starter, metric definitions, and ROI calculator checklist.
Dashboards should drive decisions—what to improve, invest in, or retire. Pair learning, performance, business, and ROI metrics with governance to build stakeholder trust.
Keep iterating: add data sources, refine metrics, and align visuals to what leaders need to see.