• Timely: information needs to be available as soon as possible
response time should be very short

• Sufficiency: information needs to be complete
users need extensive external data
users need historical data as well as most current data

• Aggregation level: users need access to global information of the organization and  its competitors
information should be provided in an hierarchical fashion information needs to be provided at various levels of detail, with “drill down” capability users need “exception” reports or problem “flags”

• Redundancy should be minimized

• Understandability:  system should save users time
problem indicators should be highlighted
written explanations should be available
should support open-ended problem explanation

• Freedom from Bias: information must be correct and complete

• Reliability:     information must be validated
access must be controlled but reliable for those approved to use the system

• Decision Relevance: system must meet the needs of executives

• Comparability:   users need trends, ratios and deviations to interpret

• Appropriateness of Format: flexibility is crucial
format should reflect user preferences
integrates text and graphics appropriately