Public project dashboards should show decisions as well as percentages

The risk

A green status can conceal reduced scope, unresolved defects or an asset waiting for commissioning. Percent complete needs a definition.

The control

Publish original and revised budget, dates, contractor, physical milestones, variations and responsible officials. Preserve earlier values when they change.

Evidence on site

Link updates to source documents and use a clear reporting date. Separate construction, expenditure, commissioning and service outcomes.

Closing the record

Keep completed projects visible with defects and operational performance. Accountability should continue after the launch event.

Editorial note

This article provides general construction information from the official reference below. Project requirements depend on the current law, contract, design and site conditions, and should be confirmed by the responsible competent person.

What we will track next

For Public project dashboards should show decisions as well as percentages, the tool should be judged by the decision it improves. Define the required data, who verifies it, where it is stored and how the project team can export the record before relying on a platform or device.

Digital information still needs field checks and clear ownership. File names, dates, locations and revision status turn images or models into evidence; without that structure, a large volume of data may add little to delivery or maintenance.