Start with the question
A monitoring programme should answer an operational question. Before adding a measure, describe what decision it supports and who will use it. If a result changes, someone should know what happens next.
Make the boundary explicit
State which site, process and period the measure covers. Record the units and any estimates. A trend can be misleading if the boundary changes without explanation.
Keep context beside the number
Pair consumption totals with suitable activity information. Lower total use can coincide with worse intensity when output falls. Investigate the relationship before claiming an improvement.
Review the indicator itself
An indicator is a tool, not a permanent obligation simply because it appears on a dashboard. Revisit its usefulness as processes and priorities change.
Fictional editorial content provided to demonstrate the template. Adapt and review it for your organisation before publication.