Consider the costs and risks of adopting new approaches, but also consider the benefits. Compare that with the status quo, and the likelihood of maintaining the status quo. How we measure can determine both our goals and how we go about pursuing them. If the actual value is significantly worse than expected, we state that the system or resource is performing poorly. Traditional examples might be return on investment, due date performance or resource efficiency.
Operational measurements indicate that specific actions are needed. .
For example, the oil pressure gauge on your car gives you an operational measurement. If it becomes red, you should stop the car immediately. Otherwise it isn't useful in measuring the system. We often look at measurements that relate only indirectly to the organizational goal. If the actual value is significantly different than expected, we must look into it.