clear, unambiguous, numbered steps 2. **Verification after every major action** — "Start DB2. Verify: `-DIS DDF` → `STARTD`" 3. **Decision points** — "If X succeeds → step 7. If X fails with code Y → Appendix C" 4. **Estimated times** — "Step 5: IPL LPAR. Expected: 8-12 minutes" 5. **Escalation path