How does monitoring differ from controlling?

Monitoring and controlling are two interconnected but distinct project management processes.

• Monitoring is the ongoing process of observing the project's progress, collecting and analyzing data on the current status, progress, risks, and issues. The goal is to identify deviations from the plan in a timely manner.

• Controlling is the process of making decisions and taking actions based on monitoring data to adjust the plan, resolve issues, and ensure the achievement of project objectives.

In simpler terms, monitoring answers the question "What is happening?", while controlling answers "What should be done to fix the situation?".

For example, if monitoring shows that deadlines are being missed, controlling involves analyzing the reasons and taking measures such as reallocating resources, changing the schedule, etc.