I've made a battlegroup sheet which I found to be very handy next to the batlle table. It's a word file which is very easy to fill in. You can download it here.
This is how it looks like when the sheet has been completed in word. Very easy!
You can download the word-file by clicking on the following link.
I'm not a big fan of cardboard counters on a miniature wargame terrain. I tried to make some counters that blend into the battlefield but are still visible enough.
This is a pin marker represented by barbed wire
When you roll for your orders, I prefer to have some counters which can be put next to the unit. It gives you and your opponent a clear view which unit has done something and it's easier to remember in the next turn what your opponent did. At the start of your next turn you remove your orders and roll for new ones. Works perfectly!
This is how I represent Ambush counters. A unit pops up from behind a wall
The reserve move counters. A tank (or any other unit) suddenly makes a move
Pin markers! Oh they can be a pain in the a...
Order markers. Perfectly blend in into the terrain