The MiniCube

What is the MiniCube?

The MiniCube was developed because users expressed a desire for a simpler version of the “CoCoCube,” a powerful and multi-dimensional tool used to summarize financial and non-financial data for all member co-ops.

What can I learn from the MiniCube?

The MiniCube provides a dynamic view of key financial indicators for a particular co-op or group of co-ops, and it allows users to quickly recognize co-ops in need of improvement.

How does the MiniCube work?

A committee of NCGA managers worked together to identify 7 key indicators that can quickly summarize a co-op’s current performance. The key indicators were established to measure a co-op's financial status and to be used as benchmarks in determining eligibility for acceptance onto the UNFI Supply Contract. Once on contract, these indicators are used to monitor ongoing fiscal health by corridor committees and NCGA's CFO. These key indicators intentionally define a high level of financial performance. Committees and NCGA staff have also requested that further indicators be added to the MiniCube for their own monitoring purposes and preferences. These have been added in the form of “optional” key indicators.

Where can I find the MiniCube?

To find the MiniCube, log on to the CoopMetrics website.  First, click on “View reports & charts,” click on your co-op, then choose “All Group Reports” then “CoCoCubers,” then “CoCoMiniCube.” Click to download it.  You don't need to download HiFiCubeNF.xls, HiFiCompanies.xls, nor HiFiCode.xls. 

NOTE: You only need to download the MiniCube spreadsheet the first time you use it. Each time you re-open it, the MiniCube will automatically refresh with the most current data from CoopMetrics’s database. When new versions of the MiniCube are developed, which might include enhancements or bug fixes, you will need to download them and replace the previous versions. An email that a new version is available will be sent to the CoCoCubers listserv. To join the listserv, visit: https://lists.coopmetrics.coop/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/CoCoCubers.

In order to use the MiniCube for the first time, you need to perform a few steps to set up your computer to take advantage of all of the MiniCube’s features.

For Tips & Hints for using the MiniCube, click here.

Thanks to Peg Nolan and KZ who independently and simutaneously came up with the idea of the CoCoMiniCube.