Measuring a process requires effort and diligence, but measurements have no value if they are not used. Before implementing measurements the organization should be have a clear vision of how it plans to use them. It also must have the discipline to take them and use them on a consistent basis. Measurements taken intermittently or measurements that are not used are useless and a significant waste of time and resources.
Measurements provide a window into the process as the work is happening .
As will be discussed later, measurements should provide snapshots of the process at various stages of completion as well as after it has been completed. These snapshots provide opportunities to make changes and corrections as the work proceeds, rather than after it has been completed. It has been said that if it cannot be controlled, it cannot be managed. If it cannot be measured, it cannot be controlled. Objective insight in most cases, measurements are objective rather than subjective, thus providing unbiased tools for management decision making.