Project Tracking: What It Is and How to Apply It

Effective project tracking involves several critical practices:

Define clear metrics: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) that precisely measure project progress, including milestones achieved, deadlines met, budget used, and work quality.

Use appropriate tools: Employ project management software that facilitates planning, task assignment, progress tracking, and team communication.

Foster effective communication: Maintain open, transparent communication channels so everyone stays informed about project status, objectives, and emerging challenges.

Assign clear responsibilities: Define specific roles and responsibilities for each team member, ensuring everyone understands their functions and contributions.

Regular monitoring: Conduct periodic progress reviews, scheduling follow-up meetings to evaluate current status, identify deviations, and take corrective action.

Different approaches serve different project types:

Agile tracking: Sprint-based progress with burndown charts, daily standups, and velocity tracking. Best for iterative work.

Milestone tracking: Focus on major deliverables and checkpoints. Works well for linear projects with clear phases.

Kanban boards: Visual workflow tracking showing task status at a glance. Great for ongoing operations.

Earned Value Management: Quantitative method comparing planned vs. actual progress and costs. Used in larger, complex projects.

Hybrid approaches: Most agencies combine elements—tracking both agile sprints and overall project milestones.

For agencies, project tracking must connect to financial outcomes:

Budget burn tracking: Know not just if tasks are complete, but if you're spending more than planned.

Time vs. budget alerts: Get warnings when time consumption outpaces budget at any point.

Scope change documentation: Track every addition to original scope with cost implications.

Forecast accuracy: Compare initial estimates to actual results to improve future pricing.

Monton integrates project tracking with profitability monitoring, so you always know both whether a project is on schedule AND whether it's making money. This dual visibility prevents the common agency problem of delivering on time but losing margin.