Identify essential information needs

Begin by deciding what people need to know to make sound decisions, perform their work, and meet commitments. Consider employees, customers, suppliers, and other partners, because each may need different information at different times.

For every report, update, or record, ask what decision or action it supports and when it becomes useful. For example, a customer may need an updated delivery date, while the team needs to understand what caused the delay and who can resolve it.

Assign responsibility for providing essential information, and revisit these needs as the business changes. This keeps information gathering focused on practical business needs.