TinyKPI

Product Introduction

1. Definition: TinyKPI is a native macOS desktop application that functions as a local-first, notch-integrated business intelligence dashboard. It is a technical tool for real-time KPI (Key Performance Indicator) monitoring, aggregating data from various SaaS platforms and databases directly onto a user's Mac.
2. Core Value Proposition: TinyKPI exists to provide founders, indie hackers, and small business owners with a persistent, glanceable, and privacy-focused overview of their critical business metrics—like live revenue, traffic, and customer data—without the distraction of browser tabs or cloud-based dashboards where sensitive data is processed externally.

Main Features

1. Notch-Integrated Dashboard: The core interface is a compact, always-on-top window designed to fit precisely around the MacBook Pro's camera notch. This provides a persistent, non-intrusive heads-up display for key metrics. It works by leveraging native macOS window management APIs to create a system-level overlay that stays above other applications but occupies minimal screen real estate.
2. 100% Local Data Processing: All data aggregation and processing occur on the user's local machine. How it works: The app stores encrypted API keys and database credentials locally in the macOS Keychain. It then executes direct HTTPS API calls to services like Stripe or PostHog and runs SQL queries against local or remote databases from the user's Mac, ensuring no business metric data transits through or is stored on TinyKPI's servers.
3. Customizable Card-Based Layout: Users can build a tailored dashboard by selecting from available metrics (KPIs) and arranging them on a flexible grid. The technology involves a drag-and-drop interface where each data "card" can be resized in predefined ratios (1x1, 1x2, 2x1, 2x2) and positioned freely. Layouts are saved automatically to local storage, allowing for unique views per project or business.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Context switching and distraction from constantly checking multiple analytics dashboards in a web browser, which fragments focus and reduces deep work time for solopreneurs and small teams.
2. Target Audience: Primary user personas include SaaS founders, indie developers, startup marketing managers, and e-commerce store owners who use tools like Stripe, Google Analytics, and PostHog but lack a unified, always-visible view of their cross-platform performance data.
3. Use Cases: Essential for a founder running a morning review without opening 5+ browser tabs; for a developer monitoring real-time subscription MRR and churn during a product launch; or for a marketing manager tracking campaign-driven web traffic and conversion revenue in a single, persistent view.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike cloud-based BI tools (e.g., Geckoboard, Databox) or hosted internal dashboards, TinyKPI's local-first architecture offers superior data privacy and security for sensitive business metrics. Compared to building a custom dashboard, it provides immediate, no-code integration with popular services.
2. Key Innovation: The seamless integration of the dashboard into the MacBook Pro's physical hardware notch is a unique UI/UX innovation. This transforms a often-overlooked hardware feature into functional screen space, enabling persistent visibility without the need for a second monitor or a constantly minimized/maximized window.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is TinyKPI a subscription service? No, TinyKPI is a one-time purchase native macOS application with a perpetual license for one Mac, contrasting with the common SaaS subscription model for analytics dashboards.
2. Where is my Stripe and Google Analytics data stored when using TinyKPI? Your data is not stored by TinyKPI. The application acts as a local client on your Mac; your credentials are kept in your macOS Keychain, and all data fetched from APIs like Stripe or Google Analytics resides temporarily in your computer's memory and is displayed locally.
3. What happens to my dashboard if my Mac loses internet connectivity? TinyKPI will display the last successfully fetched values for your metrics. The app is designed for quiet refreshes (approximately every 5 minutes), and cached data remains visible during temporary network outages, ensuring your KPIs are always available.
4. Can I connect TinyKPI to my own custom database or internal API? Yes, through its "Your data" integration category. TinyKPI supports direct connections to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and MySQL databases, allowing you to write custom SQL queries to track any metric stored in your own infrastructure.
5. Does TinyKPI work on Macs without a notch? The application is designed and optimized for MacBook Pro models with the notch (macOS 14 Sonoma or later). While it may run on older Macs or those without a notch, the unique layout and positioning are built around that specific hardware feature.