Following the key figure is important for several reasons:

1. Financial overview: It provides a consolidated and clear picture of how the organization has performed financially during the specified time period. It includes all income and expenses and provides a clear overview of the total economy.

2. Performance evaluation: It enables evaluation of the organization's financial performance over time. It is useful for assessing whether the business has achieved its financial goals and how it has developed over time.

3. Trends and patterns: By following the summarized outcome, the organization can identify economic trends and patterns. It can be useful in anticipating future financial challenges or opportunities.

4. Cost Control: It helps in monitoring and controlling costs and expenses. If the summed outcome shows overruns, the organization can take measures to limit spending.

5. Decision Making: It provides a solid foundation for financial decisions. Decision makers can use this ratio to assess whether the organization has sufficient resources to support specific initiatives or projects.

6. Financial Planning: It is useful for planning future budgets and financial goals. It gives the organization a reference point for creating realistic budgets.

In summary, the key figure provides an overall picture of the organization's financial performance during a specified period of time. It is a valuable resource for monitoring and managing finances, evaluating performance and making informed decisions about future financial strategies.