Traditionally, the project management office (PMO) has focused on tactical metrics, including project management skills, processes, and templates. These metrics are too inward-focused, often neglecting broader aspects of PMO effectiveness.

Developing meaningful PMO metrics for a comprehensive dashboard is a challenge for many project management offices, yet essential for demonstrating value.

A primary strength of BrightWork is its reporting capability, which includes a wide range of configurable project management performance metrics and dashboards that can be easily customized with flexible reports for all types of audiences within an organization.

Defining Project Management Office Metrics

More strategic PMO performance metrics now focus on delivering tangible results to key stakeholders and alignment with overall organizational goals.

Metrics such as the number of PMs certified in PRINCE2/MSP or specific individual performance indicators tied to individual certifications are not included in this list. These are not valid metrics but may not really mean much to business stakeholders who just want their projects delivered on time, on budget, and fit for purpose.

In defining measurement frameworks for a PMO, which are often referred to formally as key performance indicators (KPIs), there is a very simple 3-step process worth considering:

1. Step 1 –  What outcome are you trying to show? (e.g., improved portfolio alignment)
2. Step 2 – What questions will show your attainment of the defined outcome? (This helps ensure measurement quality in what you track.)
3. Step 3 – What measures can you define to answer the questions? (These measures can then be visualized using effective information presentation techniques.)

These defined metrics are most effective when presented on a centralized dashboard, which can offer current information on project and portfolio status. Modern dynamic dashboards enable stakeholders to explore data, supporting more informed decision-making throughout the organization.

25 Project Management Office Metrics

Note: It is not intended that a PMO would use all these metrics. Choose the metrics of most relevance and importance to their stakeholders and organization. Effective oversight practices often involve selecting a focused set of these.

1. % of investment decisions influenced by PMO participation and provided data. (This reflects the PMO’s contribution to leadership briefings for decision-makers.)
2. % of projects aligned with organizational goals. (Important for overall investment health).
3. % of projects reviewed during execution by senior management. (This promotes effective, transparent updates.)
4. % of projects completed within budget vs. cost overruns. (A key indicator for achieving budget efficiency).
5. Number of projects completed during this financial year vs. the previous year (productivity). (Can be tracked via performance comparison).
6. % of projects completed on time – deliverables (On Time vs. Late). (Impacts delivery speed).
7. % of projects with deliverables (Accepted vs. Rejected). (Reflects quality and progress towards value creation).
8. The number of open issues and their aging on a monthly basis. (Effective problem management is vital here.)
9. % of projects that were audited at major milestones. (Ensures methodology adherence).
10. % of projects with post-project reviews. (Important for learning and improving future performance measurement definitions).
11. Business Stakeholder customer satisfaction score for project performance (survey per project). (This can also highlight areas needing better common practices in project execution.)
12. Business Stakeholder customer satisfaction score for stakeholder communications and governance reporting (survey). (A good performance tracking system can improve this perception).
13. % of projects report the earned value on a monthly basis. (This is a common element in many technical project tracking frameworks).
14. % of projects have supporting and validated business cases (should be 100%).
15. Project Manager satisfaction score of the value of PMO services (survey).
16. Organizational customer satisfaction perception of PMO value contribution to project management within the organization (survey).
17. Improved coordination of resource management (planned vs. actual). (This can be enhanced by solid workforce planning).
18. Organization’s perception of improved portfolio management and prioritization. (Often linked to better team allocation across projects.)
19. Improved visibility of risks and interdependencies of projects. (A clear threat assessment can provide this visibility.)
20. % of projects complying with project management standards & methods for audit requirements.
21. The monthly number and status of change requests (approved, rejected, and pending). (This falls under scope management processes.)
22. The total cost impact of all the changes on a monthly basis.
23. The total number of risks open (Size, Schedule, Quality, Staffing, and Cost) on a monthly basis. (Core to ongoing uncertainty management efforts).
24. The total number of risks by age on a monthly basis. (Helps prioritize response strategies.)
25. The total cost value of risk by month (by adding up individual risk cost amounts). (Identifying potential capability gaps can also inform risk assessment in staffing.)

Elevate PMO Value with the Right Metrics and Tools

Selecting the right project metrics is essential for any PMO department striving to demonstrate business impact and drive continuous improvement. A focused, stakeholder-aligned approach to measurement helps communicate success, identify gaps, and prioritize what matters most.

Whether you’re tracking project manager performance metrics, enhancing PMO reporting, or building a dynamic PMO KPI dashboard, clarity and consistency are key.

Brightwork 365 enables PMOs to simplify data collection, configure powerful project metrics dashboards, and share insights with stakeholders in real-time, helping your program management office (PMO) KPIs stay aligned with strategic goals.

Watch our demo to see how Brightwork 365 transforms your project and portfolio reporting.