A method includes collecting, as data points, variable data associated with a monitored parameter. The method includes determining whether one or more of a first criterion and a second criterion is satisfied. The first and second criteria are satisfied based on a first quantity of the data points and a second quantity of data points in a selective subset of the data points, respectively. The method includes estimating an approximate baseline value for the monitored parameter in a first manner by utilizing each data point of a portion of the data points in response to determining that the first criterion is satisfied and the second criterion is not satisfied, and in a second manner by determining a second baseline value utilizing each data point of a portion of the selective subset of the data points in response to determining that the first criterion and the second criterion are both satisfied.