An automatic daily report that managers actually read
A useful daily report is short and automatic: five to eight numbers compared with target and yesterday (revenue or orders, parts produced, OEE, late orders, scrap, cash in), one line on what needs attention and links to details. It is assembled from ERP, spreadsheets and machine data at a fixed time and delivered where managers already look, often WhatsApp or email.
Guilherme Rodrigues ItinoseUpdated 2 min read
Key takeaways
- Five to eight numbers beat a twenty-tab dashboard nobody opens.
- Always compare with target and with the previous period.
- Send at a fixed time to the channel people already read.
- Highlight exceptions: late orders, stopped machines, unusual scrap.
- Let people ask follow-up questions instead of opening reports.
Many companies have a person whose first hour is copying yesterday’s numbers into a spreadsheet and sending it around. Automation gives that hour back and delivers the report before the morning meeting.
Pick the few numbers that matter
| Number | Compared with | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Orders or revenue | Target and yesterday | ERP or sales spreadsheet |
| Parts produced | Plan | Machines or production log |
| OEE | Weekly average | Machine monitoring |
| Late orders | Count and names | ERP |
| Scrap | Target | Quality records |
| Cash in | Forecast | Finance |
Format that gets read
- One short message, readable on a phone.
- Arrows or colors for above or below target.
- One line “needs attention today”.
- Links to details for whoever wants them.
Ask why
When the report is connected to the same data, an AI assistant can answer follow-up questions: why an order is late, which machine had the most stops, which customer has overdue invoices.
We connect ERP, spreadsheets and machine data into automatic reports. See automation and AI and CNC Pulse for machine data.
When to outsource this
- Someone spends an hour every morning copying numbers into a spreadsheet
- Managers learn about problems days later
When not to
- Your data lives only on paper; digitize the source first
FAQ
Which numbers should go in?
The few that drive daily decisions: orders or revenue, production, OEE, late orders, scrap and cash. Adjust to your business.
Email or WhatsApp?
Wherever managers actually read it in the morning. Keep the message short and link to details.
Can I ask questions about the report?
Yes, an AI assistant connected to the same data can answer 'why is order X late?' using your records.
What if data is missing?
The report should say so. A missing number is information about the process.
Send us one drawing
We return a review with issues found, suggested fixes and a fixed-price scope.
