What does the monthly deliverable report include
Understanding each item in the monthly report helps you read quickly, ask the right questions, and make decisions instead of just storing it.
Sinh Vũ's monthly deliverable report shows you two core elements: hours spent on each task and a list of completed tasks along with their results. In addition to these mandatory sections, the report also includes remaining hours, hours carried over to the next period, and a few light operational metrics to help you gauge the smoothness of the process. The purpose is not record-keeping, but to help you maintain rhythm and detect early when adjustments to the package are needed.
- Want to know where this month's money is going according to tasks.
- Want to know if the operating machine runs smoothly.
- needs real data to decide whether to raise or lower the package quarterly
- The report only boasts about the number of publications without quality metrics.
A good handover report is not just a list for record-keeping. It is a tool for you to read in five minutes and immediately know: where this month's money went, whether tasks are completed, and how much budget remains for future use. Sinh Vũ designs monthly reports based on this logic.
Two mandatory parts
The first part is the hour budget. The report lists each task that has received hours, the actual hours used for each task, total hours spent during the period, remaining hours, and hours carried over to the next period (if any). Sinh Vũ applies a mechanism to carry over a maximum of 20% of unused hours to the next period, and this can be extended to 130% of hours during peak seasons when workload increases dramatically. This is clearly documented so that you always know the status of the budget, avoiding disputes at the end of the period.
The second part is the completed tasks list. Each task clearly states: task name, deliverable results (design files, documents, publications), and status (completed, awaiting approval, or waiting for information from you). It should not be a general list; it must be specific enough for you to cross-reference with what was requested during the month.
Quality aspect: the operational index.
Only counting the number of publications or hours is a superficial metric, as increasing personnel will inflate the numbers without reflecting true productivity. Sinh Vũ adds a few light operational metrics so you can see if the machine runs smoothly.
- Cycle time: total time from when the request is received to when the deliverable is completed, divided into time spent by Sinh Vũ, time waiting for your approval, and time waiting for information. The bottleneck usually lies in the waiting part, not the doing part.
- Number of revision rounds: On average, how many times each task needs to be revised. A high number of rounds often indicates that the brief is unclear or there are multiple layers of approval.
- Identity compliance level: A light note to check if this month's publications correctly apply the identity system, to detect misalignments early before they become significant.
The greatest benefits often come from reducing wait times, not increasing speed. Breaking down cycle time into parts reveals the real bottlenecks.
Creately, Measuring DesignOps
When to read the monthly report, when to use quarterly reviews
Monthly report answers short-term operational questions: where time has been spent, whether tasks are completed, and what is needed for the next period. Quick reading in a few minutes, no lengthy meetings required.
Quarterly review answers strategic questions: Is the identity applied correctly? Where is the logo or color being used incorrectly? What opportunities have not been explored? Is the current package still appropriate? Sinh Vũ separates these two types to ensure each serves its specific decision-making purpose without mixing.
The decision to upgrade or downgrade a package should be based on trends over three consecutive months, not conclusions drawn from a single month. Sinh Vũ will note recommendations in the quarterly report when the data is clear enough.
Common mistakes when reading a report
- Only check the total hours used without looking at when the hours were allocated. The total does not indicate whether priorities are correct.
- Ignore the deadline for transitions, then forget how many are left by the end. Sinh Vũ records this number clearly to avoid disputes.
- Read the task list without cross-referencing the submitted brief. If there are missing items or unmet expectations, providing feedback early in the month is much easier than at the end of the quarter.
- Use monthly reports to decide whether to upgrade or downgrade the package. A peak month does not mean a permanent upgrade is necessary.
The viewpoint of Sinh Vũ
The monthly deliverable report is not a bureaucratic procedure. It is a regular touchpoint for Sinh Vũ and you to look at a shared picture and ask the right questions: Did the hours this month go towards the most important tasks? Where are the bottlenecks? What else is needed for the next period? When both sides read the same numbers and understand the same meaning, decisions for adjustments will be much quicker and less frictional.
Decision checklist
Topic: What does the monthly delivery report include? Sinh Vũ guide, sinhvu.com
Select each item you find appropriate, then print or save as PDF to take with you.
If you have marked most of the signs above, this is the time to discuss in more detail. Sinh Vũ can help you review and propose a direction.
References
Creately, Measuring DesignOps; Rocketium, Creative Ops Metrics; NetSuite, What Is a Consulting Retainer. The operational lens is drawn from Sinh Vũ's practical experience.
Frequently asked questions
What are rollover hours and can I use them?
The carryover hours are the hours in this month's package that you have not fully used. Sinh Vũ transfers a maximum of 20% of those hours to the next period, clearly stated in the report. You can use them normally in the following period without any additional procedures.
How do monthly reports and quarterly reviews differ?
The monthly report focuses on hours and tasks completed, allowing for a quick read in a few minutes to determine if the past month was on the right track. The quarterly review delves deeper into the quality of identity, pointing out where logos, colors, and fonts were misused, as well as untapped opportunities. The two types serve different decisions and do not replace each other.
What numbers should I look at to know whether to upgrade or downgrade the package?
You shouldn't make decisions based on a single monthly report. Look at the trends over three consecutive months: if you continuously run out of resources before the end of the period, consider upgrading your package; if you consistently have excess, consider downgrading. Sinh Vũ will note recommendations in the quarterly report so you have enough data before making a decision.