Cadence.
WHAT TO REPORT WEEKLY
Leading indicators only: enquiries, quotes, bookings, cash.
Short, for operational decisions.
WHAT TO REPORT MONTHLY
The main figures, with comparisons and a note on movement.
WHAT TO REPORT QUARTERLY
Trend rather than period Segment analysis Progress against targets
WHAT TO REPORT ANNUALLY
Full review: profitability, customers, pricing, costs
WHY A CADENCE MATTERS
Irregular reporting produces no comparison and no habit.
WHAT TO KEEP IDENTICAL
Format and definitions, between periods.
WHY
Changing definitions makes history incomparable.
If you must change one, restate the history.
WHAT TO DO ON A SET DATE
Produce it, whether or not anything interesting happened.
WHAT TO DO IF NOTHING CHANGED
Say so, briefly.
WHAT TO AVOID
Reports growing longer each period Reports produced and never discussed
WHAT MAKES REPORTING WORTHWHILE
A decision arising from it.
