10 Best Software For Continuous Control Monitoring (CCM)

In this article, I will examine the Best Software for Continuous Control Monitoring (CCM). For organizations to manage compliance, risk, and operational efficiency, Continuous Control Monitoring is critical.

The right CCM software automates control testing, tracks performance, and enhances the audit process. We will examine the best tools in terms of reliability, integration, and cutting-edge monitoring capabilities.

Key Points & Best Software For Continuous Control Monitoring (CCM)

MetricStream: Provides enterprise-wide risk, compliance, and audit automation with strong continuous control monitoring capabilities.

ServiceNow: Streamlines workflows, integrates compliance processes, and enhances visibility into organizational risks and controls.

OneTrust: Focuses on privacy, compliance, and risk management with automated monitoring for regulatory adherence.

CyberSaint: Delivers AI-driven risk and compliance automation, enabling real-time continuous control monitoring efficiency.

AuditBoard: Simplifies audit, risk, and compliance management with intuitive dashboards and automated control monitoring.

Archer (RSA): Offers integrated risk management solutions with strong governance, compliance, and control monitoring features.

IBM OpenPages: Provides scalable governance, risk, and compliance platform with advanced continuous monitoring capabilities.

LogicManager: Empowers organizations with risk-based workflows, compliance automation, and effective control monitoring solutions.

Galvanize (Diligent): Enhances governance, risk, and compliance programs through automated monitoring and actionable insights.

SAP GRC: Integrates enterprise risk, compliance, and audit management with robust continuous control monitoring tools.

10 Best Software For Continuous Control Monitoring (CCM)

1. MetricStream

MetricStream is a prominent CCM platform that assists companies in automating the processes of control testing, risk assessment, and compliance monitoring in various environments.

With analytics, automated alerts, and real-time dashboards, users gain the capability to mitigate control failures, compliance gaps, and emerging risks.

MetricsStream integrates with business processes and IT systems to enable continuous monitoring and auditing with no manual effort.

Highly regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and energy can benefit from its configurable framework that adapts to various standards and regulations.

With consolidated governance and the tracking of insights, risk- aware operational resilience and decision-making are fortified across the enterprise.

MetricStream – Features

• Automated Control Testing: Automatically detects and reports deviations for ongoing internal control failures, with no user intervention required.
• Real-Time Dashboards: Control status, compliance, and risk trends reports provide actionable insights through visual analytics.
• Configurable Frameworks: Adjustable to business requirements and supports a variety of regulations and standards (COSO, SOX).
• Issue & Remediation Tracking: Automated corrective action workflows are paired with tracking control deficiencies.

Pros	Cons
Strong automation for continuous control monitoring across enterprise environments.	High implementation complexity — may require consulting support.
Comprehensive dashboards and analytics provide real‑time visibility.	Higher licensing cost compared to lightweight CCM tools.
Very configurable — supports multiple frameworks and regulatory standards.	Requires training for advanced feature usage.
Scales from risk & compliance to enterprise GRC.	Customization may increase time to value.

2. ServiceNow

ServiceNow’s CCM capability uses the platform’s wide control monitoring automation and data orchestration.

It integrates risk, compliance, IT, security, and operations data on the service management framework at the CCM level to provide visibility into control performance.

Automated control tests, issue tracking, and process alignment corrective actions are business process workflows.

Stakeholders use the ServiceNow analytics and reports to evaluate and monitor in real time the effectiveness of the controls and the compliance.

ServiceNow’s extensibility, modularity, and customization capability also attract enterprises to the integrated risk and control approach.

It provides the means to span revised automation workflows across teams to GRC’s wider borders.

ServiceNow – Features

• Workflow Automation: Service workflows to automate control assessments, issue recording, and resolution.
• Unified Data Platform: Integrated risk, compliance, security, and IT for comprehensive visibility.
• Real-Time Reporting: Continuous control performance monitoring with reports, active alerts, and reports.
• Seamless Integrations: Enrichment of control context through automation of IT service management, HR, and security.

Pros	Cons
Excellent workflow automation and process orchestration.	Best value often when already using ServiceNow ecosystem.
Integrates risk, IT, security, and controls monitoring data.	Customization complexity can increase cost and timelines.
Real‑time reporting and alerting with modern dashboards.	Some modules require additional licensing.
Strong issue management tied to service workflows.	Enterprise‑level pricing may not suit small firms.

3. OneTrust

OneTrust has in place a Governance, Risk, and Compliance ecosystem a member of which is a highly adaptable CCM solution.

It assists teams in automating the collection of evidence, the monitoring, and the assessment of the key controls for each of the frameworks concerning privacy, security, ethical sourcing, and regulations.

OneTrust is particularly strong in a user-friendly design and a broad array of off-the-shelf, pre-configured control sets for frameworks and standards including ISO, NIST, GDPR, and SOC.

OneTrust’s CCM is further enhanced by the ability to automate, schedule, and assess controllers and to score and explain risks. This describes trends and gaps.

OneTrust’s robust workflow and collaboration capabilities help teams to remediate issues crossfunctionally and stay audit-ready.

OneTrust – Features

• Skim Control Libraries: Control libraries that are pre-built templates.
• Automated Evidence Collection: Control tests that are scheduled, and pull control tests from integrated sources that are pre-built to pull.
• Assessment Workflow Engine: Helps teams to navigate structured assessments along with scoring and gap analysis.
• Collaboration Tools: Supports task assignments and response tracking, as well as remediation process support.

Pros	Cons
Intuitive UI with broad pre‑built framework libraries (GDPR, ISO, etc.).	Full GRC suite can be expensive for smaller teams.
Good automation for assessments and evidence collection.	Some CCM users feel features are more focused on privacy compliance.
Strong scheduling and automated control testing.	Advanced analytics sometimes require deeper configuration.
Collaboration workflows built‑in for cross‑functional teams.	Integration with non‑standard systems may need development.

4. CyberSaint

As a part of the CyberStrong Platform, CyberSaint offers Cyber Control Management (CCM) focusing on the continuous assessment of risks and controls.

CyberSaint automates the process of assessing controls through evidence collection via a live connector from the ecosystem’s systems, minimizing the amount of manual evidence collection and ensuring up-to-date control visibility.

CyberSaint’s emphasis on risk quantification helps leaders understand control deficiencies and associated risk exposure.

Automated workflows and dashboards facilitate regular control assessments, taking into consideration new potential risks.

With a continuous and data-oriented approach to control monitoring and reporting, CyberSaint is optimal for data-centric organizations with complex IT environments.

CyberSaint – Features

• Live Data Connectors: Connects with tools and data sources to automatically retrieve evidence and refresh control status.
• Risk Quantification: Prioritizes remediation by scoring risks and the effectiveness of controls.
• Real-Time Visibility: Displays control status and newly identified gaps with current dashboards.
• Automated Alerts: Sends notifications when controls fail or thresholds are exceeded.

Pros	Cons
Data‑centric risk quantification helps teams prioritize controls.	Smaller ecosystem and community compared to legacy vendors.
Live data connectors reduce manual evidence collection.	Learning curve for fully leveraging analytics.
Real‑time visibility into evolving control performance.	UI may feel less refined for new users.
Keeps dynamic risk and control context updated.	Not yet as widely adopted in certain industries.

5. AuditBoard

Working within the connected risk platform, AuditBoard’s CCM framework helps teams automate and standardize the control testing process and collection of evidence.

It helps internal audit, compliance, and risk teams streamline their processes by automating their workflows, centralizing their documentation, and providing real-time visibility into the performance of controls.

By automating processes, AuditBoard fosters continuous monitoring and supports the automation of recurring control tests and the seamless integration of data for real-time reporting.

AuditBoard’s stakeholders, especially finance and audit professionals, appreciate the platform’s customized reporting, which streamlines the identification of control performance within assurance activities.

 AuditBoard – Features

• Control Testing Automation: Automates the scheduling of control tests and evidence gathering.
• Document Repository: Keeps policies, evidence, test results, and audit trails consolidated in one location.
• Custom Dashboards: Offers visualizations of control status and trends for audit, risk, and compliance teams.
• Remediation Workflow: Collaboratively tracks gaps and supports the resolution process.

Pros	Cons
Strong automation for control testing and audit evidence.	More audit‑centric; deeper CCM may need add‑ons.
Centralized documentation and control mapping.	Additional features can increase cost.
Easy‑to‑use dashboards for control status and trends.	Scaling to GRC beyond controls requires configuration.
Improves collaboration between audit and compliance teams.	Pricing may grow with additional modules.

6. Archer (RSA)

The RSA Archer risk management system incorporates Continuous Control Monitoring (CCM) features into its risk management framework.

This allows businesses to continuously monitor controls, risks, and compliance in a structured manner.

Archer allows businesses to create control frameworks, automate evidence gathering, and conduct scheduled or real-time tests against pre-defined criteria.

This platform’s architecture is highly configurable and supports the mapping of controls to various frameworks and regulations.

Archer’s dashboards and analytics provide stakeholders with a comprehensive perspective on control health, trends, and outliers.

Additionally, the platform provides contextual risk decision support by integrating with security, IT, and operational systems.

Given its robust workflow automation and issue remediation tracking, Archer is optimized for large, complex enterprises with stringent compliance demands.

 Archer (RSA) – Features

• Framework Mapping: Unifies oversight by aligning controls with the compliance and risk frameworks pertinent to the organization.
• Dynamic Risk Scoring: Uses scoring algorithms to analyze and rate for effectiveness and impact of each control.
• Remediation and Issue Tracking: Documents control failure, tracking the status and progress of remediation processes.
• Flexible Configurations: Customisable modules to suit complex enterprise compliance and risk needs.

Pros	Cons
Deep control framework mapping across risk, compliance, and IT.	More complex setup and customization.
Strong remediation and issue tracking workflows.	UI often considered less intuitive by new users.
Good for highly regulated and large enterprises.	Configuration may require specialist skills.
Flexibility to align with numerous standards.	Long‑term management needs change governance.

7. IBM OpenPages

IBM OpenPages incorporates CCM features built to scale across large and distributed enterprises. Leveraging AI and advanced analytics, it periodically evaluates the performance of controls, risk artifacts, and compliance gaps.

OpenPages consolidates data from various systems to provide a comprehensive report, unified view, and control metrics. Its risk and control frameworks are tailored to the requirements of multiple industries and various standards.

The platform’s automation capabilities help to improve the efficiency of control testing, while the overall testing complements the manual control.

The testing visualization tools assist in the understanding of differentiating risk exposure and advanced analytics.

OpenPages is most beneficial for analytics, complex data enterprise integrations, and a unified platform for GRC activities.

IBM OpenPages – Features

• AI & Analytics: Identifies risk patterns and predicts control gaps using AI and advanced analytics.
• Integrated Data Views: Merges data on control performance from multiple enterprise systems.
• Risk & Compliance Frameworks: Offers control libraries and supports various standards.
• Custom Reporting: Creates reports for executives and regulators visually compliant.

Pros	Cons
Enterprise‑grade platform with advanced analytics.	Implementation requires high technical resources.
AI‑assisted insights for control performance and risk trends.	Costly for smaller organizations.
Integrates widely with enterprise data sources.	Customization may require specialist expertise.
Strong support for complex compliance frameworks.	Setup and onboarding can take months.

8. LogicManager

LogicManager streamlines CCM functions by integrating risks, controls, and compliance with operational processes, employing intuitive workflows and automated tracking.

LogicManager also streamlines the automation of control assessment calendars, evidence collection, and real time exception tracking.

With LogicManager, organizations can focus their attention on the prioritization of control adjustments on the basis of the impact and likelihood of risk, as the platform operates on a risk-based framework.

The platform’s dashboards and reporting drive insights for stakeholders from the tactical levels concerning control operationalization, to the strategic alignment with risk.

Flexible configuration and solid customer support makes LogicManager favorable to mid-to-large sized companies with a need for practical business-oriented continuous control monitoring

 LogicManager – Features

• Action Tracking: Oversees the follow-up of improvement actions on control and risk..
• Risk‑Based CCM: Assists in focusing control efforts on critical activities using risk assessment and impact analysis.
• Custom Dashboards & Scorecards: Gives personalized snapshots of control performance and risk position.
• Automated Evidence Gathering: Less data hand-collection through automated workflows.

Pros	Cons
Intuitive risk‑based CCM workflows.	Analytics are less advanced vs. top‑tier tools.
Easy configuration and onboarding.	Some users want more out‑of‑box automated feeds.
Good customer support and onboarding resources.	Larger enterprise integrations may need custom work.
Practical dashboards for management visibility.	Reporting depth less sophisticated for complex compliance.

9. Galvanize (Diligent)

Galvanize, recently acquired by Diligent, offers solid CCM capabilities on the HighBond Automation Control Testing, Scheduling, and Evidence Management modules.

HighBond integrates with various IT and business systems, enabling it to collect and analyze data to determine control effectiveness and identify issues.

HighBond offers visual dashboards and analytics, helping teams track and report on control effectiveness, risk, and compliance.

The platform’s versatile mapping, integrated risk and audit workflows, and cross-framework support streamlines team coordination.

HighBond is ideal for organizations seeking to strengthen governance through data-driven, continuous assurance, given its extendable and scalable design.

Galvanize (Diligent) – Features

• HighBond Control Testing: Offers automation for the scheduling, execution, and tracking of control tests.
• Audit Trail Documentation: Compiles reporting evidence and logs for compliance.
• Integrated CCM & Risk: Merges control performance, risk, and audit.
• Visual Reporting: Status and trend analysis through charts and dashboards.

Pros	Cons
Automated evidence collection and control testing.	Some users note a learning curve initially.
Strong audit trails and compliance reporting.	Larger data volumes may impact performance.
Integrated risk + CCM workflows.	Advanced analytics may require configuration.
Scalable platform for mid‑to‑large organizations.	Cost can grow with added modules.

10 . SAP GRC

SAP GRC provides customers with a CCM solution that integrates with SAP enterprise systems for real-time monitoring of controls within key business processes.

It automates control testing, compliance checking, and evidence collection, so organizations can notice compliance violations/exceptions as they happen.

Libraries of rules, automated workflows, and reporting capabilities from SAP GRC help support functions of internal audit, compliance, and risk management.

Also, within SAP ERP and other business systems, customers can monitor transaction control and key risks such as segregation of duties and no custom connectors.

This strengthens SAP GRC’s ability to merge operational data with governance to ensure continued compliance and risk transparency.

SAP GRC – Features

• Real‑Time Transaction Monitoring: It checks for control violations in business processes as they happen.
• Rule Library & Compliance Automation: Uses extensive libraries of rules for DoA and compliance checks.
• Process Integration: Works with SAP ERP modules for integrated and uninterrupted data access.
• Automated Alerts & Remediation: Control failures activate alerts, and assistant leader guides the steps for corrective action.

Pros	Cons
Excellent for SAP ERP‑centric continuous control monitoring.	Best suited for organizations already on SAP stack.
Real‑time monitoring tied to business transactions.	Implementation complexity can be high.
Strong rule libraries & compliance automation.	Customization and upgrades often require specialists.
Tight integration with SAP modules and master data.	Less flexibility outside SAP environments.

How To Choose Best Software for Continuous Control Monitoring (CCM)

Integration with Existing Systems – Check if the software integrates with your current ERP, IT, and security systems for seamless automated data capture.

Automation & Continuous Monitoring – Identify solutions that provide automated control testing, alerting, and remediation workflows to minimize manual involvement.

Regulatory & Framework Support – Opt for software that supports key industry standards (SOX, ISO, GDPR, NIST) applicable to your business.

Scalability & Flexibility – Choose a provider that will serve you long-term, offering solutions that meet growth and evolving compliance needs.

Analytics & Dashboards – Robust reporting and visualization analytics assist in assessing performance, trends, and control-related risks.

Ease of Use – Intuitive design of the interface and workflows shortens user training requirements and fosters solution adoption.

Vendor Support & Community – Take into account the responsiveness of customer support, the abundance of training materials, and the activity of the user community.

Cost & Licensing Model – Determine the total cost of ownership, including setup, ongoing subscription fees, and additional features.

Conclusion

In closing, the importance of choosing the Best Software for Continuous Control Monitoring (CCM) needs to be stressed once more. It impacts the balance of compliance, risk, and operational efficiency.

MetricStream, ServiceNow, OneTrust, and SAP GRC, offer similar functionalities, such as automation, real-time monitoring, and analytics for control management.

Optimal choice of a CCM tool will improve an organization’s transparency, reduce the manual workload, and enhance governance.

FAQ