The elements of a good metric

This topic is niche. It’s specifically for folks who create and use metrics on a regular basis to make decisions.

There are 4 elements to a simple, clear, and useful metric.

1. Unit of measurement (e.g., number, average)
2. Subject (e.g., sales, returns, complaints)
3. Verb (e.g., completed, failed, delayed)
4. Time period (e.g., per day, week, month)

If you have these four things, generally in this order, you should be able to create a metrics that works in 90% of situations.