Connect information to a decision
Working with educational statistics showed me that collecting information and making it useful are different tasks. A report needs a question: what are we trying to understand, who will use the result and what could change because of it? That starting point helps keep the analysis focused.
Make definitions visible
An indicator is easier to interpret when its source, period and meaning are clear. Without those details, two people can read the same number and reach different conclusions. I prefer a small set of understandable indicators to a dense screen that leaves the reader guessing.
Keep the result close to the work
Reports are most useful when people can connect them to their daily responsibilities. In inventory or cost control, this may mean identifying an exception and understanding the next action. The interface should help that transition, with enough context to act and without collecting information that has no defined purpose.