Read this before you set up metrics. Your ARR, MRR, churn and retention figures are only as good as the data behind them, so check each item below first.
Connections
- Your accounting system is connected and the first import has run. Metrics reconcile to your accounting data. See Getting started with Xero or Getting started with QuickBooks.
- Optional: a CRM (HubSpot, Salesforce or Pipedrive) connected, if you want pipeline, deal and renewal metrics. See Subscription management and renewal tracking: Getting started with CRM integration.
- Optional: a Google Sheet or a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, if you want to report on operational data such as headcount. See How to add live metrics through Google Sheets or How to add live metrics through Microsoft Excel.
Access you need
- To connect Xero, a Xero login with Standard or Adviser permission. See What level of Xero access do I need to import data?
- To connect QuickBooks Online, Admin access in QuickBooks Online. See What level of QuickBooks do I need to import data?
- To connect HubSpot, the App Marketplace Access permission. See What level of access do I need to import HubSpot data?
- For Microsoft Excel, a Microsoft 365 work or school account and the Admin (full access) role in ScaleXP. Personal Microsoft accounts are not supported.
- Data you add through Google Sheets is visible to all Admin users in your organization.
Set up in ScaleXP first
- Your P&L and balance sheet are configured, so accounts are grouped the way you report. See How to configure your P&L and balance sheet in ScaleXP (single company).
- Revenue recognition is configured and validated on the Customers tab. MRR, ARR, churn and retention rely on recognized revenue. See Revenue setup 1: Configure and validate revenue recognition.
Decide before you start
- Which general ledger accounts count as customer acquisition costs. The Costs in CAC metric is blank until you choose them. See How to set up CAC (customer acquisition costs).
- Whether the pre-set metric definitions fit your business. Review them in the metric library under Settings > Metric Library. See What is the ScaleXP metric library? and How to change pre-set SaaS metric definitions and which metrics to use.
Next step
- When these are in place, follow How to set up metrics in ScaleXP.