How to Add Reporting Instructions to an Information Request
Reporting Instructions help you guide portfolio companies as they complete an Information Request (IR). Clear, consistent instructions reduce back-and-forth communication and ensure you receive high-quality, standardized responses.
Instructions can be global (shared across all companies) or company-specific (tailored to a single portfolio company). You can also attach reference files to support compliance.
To add instructions, first create an Information Request. Then, click the Manage Instructions button located in the top-right corner of the Information Request page.
Portfolio companies will receive a unified view at the top of their request that consolidates:
Global instructions
Company-specific instructions
File attachments (downloadable)
Instruction Types and Their Uses
You can add two types of written instructions:
1. Global Instructions
These instructions are visible to all companies included in the IR and should be used to communicate common requirements, formatting standards, and shared definitions. They are best suited for outlining general submission guidelines, specifying formatting rules such as rounding percentages, and clarifying how key metrics should be defined and reported.
Examples:
"If you don't have finalized numbers yet, please provide us with your best estimate - having some info is better than waiting for an exact number."
“Please round percentages to the nearest tenth (e.g., 12.3%).”
"Please provide documents in xlsx, not pdf."
"If needed, feel free to schedule a call with me. Here is a link to my calendar: ..."
2. Company-Specific Instructions
These instructions are shown only to a particular company. Use this field when you need to provide context, request custom metrics, or clarify expectations for a unique business model or vertical. Company-specific instructions are best suited for companies with unique metrics/business models or specific compliance requirements, or companies operating in a foreign language.
Examples:
“For crypto companies: Total Value Locked (TVL) = value of all tokens locked in smart contracts at a given time.”
"For U.S. companies: please fill out the "Annual ESG Reporting" file that is attached and upload it in the "Optional Documents" section of this report.
Attaching Supporting Files
You can upload supporting documentation directly within the IR to provide additional clarity for companies completing their responses. Uploaded files will appear alongside the written instructions in the company’s view, with file metadata such as the upload date and your firm’s name clearly displayed. Common types of attachments include budget or forecast templates (Excel), reporting guides (Word or PDF), and industry-specific questionnaires (Word, PDF, or Excel).
Tips for Better Instructions
Use formatting tools like bold, bullet points, and headers to make dense instructions easier to read.
Reference attached files directly in the instruction text (e.g., “Use the attached template to report actuals vs. forecast.”).
Need further assistance? Feel free to reach out to support@standardmetrics.io.