# R14 · Intelligence product specification and briefing

**What it is for.** Define the need and deliver actionable conclusions.

**When to use it.** Before making a decision or updating the corresponding product. You can use a spreadsheet, a document or a notebook; no software licences are needed.

## How to use it

1. Start with the real decision or question you need to resolve and set a cut-off date.
2. Fill in only what can be verified; write **NOT VERIFIED** when data is missing.
3. Separate observed facts, hypotheses and implications, and name a reviewer.
4. Keep the original version and record relevant changes when you update it.

## Editable template

**Identifier, version and cut-off date:**

**Decision and recipient:**

**Intelligence question:**

**Executive summary (maximum 100 words):**

**Findings with evidence IDs:**

**Interpretation and rival hypothesis:**

**Options, risks and conditional recommendation:**

**Coverage and limitations:**

**Owner, review date / trigger:**

## Guided example · Company A

Company A's management receives a briefing that proposes a limited pilot conditional on additional tests, not a claim of commercial success.

## Mistake to avoid

The recommendation is a professional judgement and must be distinguished from the observations that support it.

## Final check

- Is it clear which decision or need it serves?
- Can the evidence be located, and is it dated?
- Are uncertainties and limits made explicit?
- Can someone else repeat or review the work?

**Notice:** entirely fictional case. The tools are for educational purposes; they do not represent an audit or certification.