There are variety of tools that managers can use in the control process; input, process and output are types of controls (Kinicki & Williams, 2016). One thing all control tools have in common is metrics. Why are metrics critical for control?

Metrics in a business is essential since it helps in tracking and assessing the status of a business process thus employed to address audiences of a business like employees, customers, and process which are all controls. Metrics are therefore important for controls to the extent that they inform managers about a particular process under question by giving accurate measurements of the functionality of the process, thus giving room for space to make adjustments and further improvements (Bedford, 2015).  Metrics are also vital component that can raise red flags for managers to reduce loses, cut costs of production and improve efficiency. This is possible since there is available data that can be used to improve operational activities, employee concerns or needs, and consumer behaviors. Such information can then be used to assist in decision making, and production implementation processes. Input controls helps to determine the output level which is also influenced by the process/production. For instance, to maximize on quality output at a least cost possible process, then the metric is imperative in assisting determine what inputs are relevant and important to be included or deducted.

references

Bedford, D. S. (2015). Management control systems across different modes of innovation: Implications for firm performance. Management Accounting Research, 28, 12-30.