The information the government party needs to effectively monitor a project is likely to contain both 'hard' and 'soft' data:
• Hard data is quantifiable and measurable data available that can be compared against past performance or benchmarks.
• Soft data is qualitative data that is not easily quantified. Monitoring soft data relies on the skills, training and experience of the contract director.
More recent project deeds require the private party to provide regular performance reports. These reports should be in a form that enables easy analysis by the contract director and/or contract management team. The 'hard' information that the private party is required to provide is generally quite comprehensive. However, a sole focus on process (that is, contract reporting of hard data) does not and cannot replace good contract management skills and experience. Good contract management does require reporting, but it also requires experienced contract directors and contract managers who are capable of identifying soft information, interpreting it and implementing effective control actions.