Before undertaking any intervention on heritage, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive evaluation that transcends traditional quantitative metrics. In the realm of industrial archaeology, qualitative indicators have proven to be indispensable tools for assessing the efficacy of any interventions. By emphasizing aspects such as historical integrity, cultural significance, community involvement, and environmental sustainability, these indicators offer a multidimensional framework for understanding the impact of interventions in industrial heritage sites. This study underscores the critical need to balance the physical preservation of industrial sites with the safeguarding of their social and cultural dimensions. It demonstrates how qualitative assessments can provide decision-makers with a deeper understanding of the broader consequences of their actions. As a case study, the research examines an abandoned industrial heritage site in Salerno, illustrating the limitations of an incomplete approach and exploring the potential of alternative regeneration strategies for the site.