# Automated Monitoring

Automated monitoring continuously collects evidence from your integrated systems to validate compliance controls.

Monitors reduce manual effort by automatically verifying configurations, security settings, and system states required for compliance.

<div style="
  background: rgba(128,128,128,0.08);
  border: 2px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);
  border-radius: 10px;
  padding: 20px 20px 0px 20px;
">
  <div style="font-weight:700; margin-bottom:20px;">Who can use this feature?</div>

  <table style="border-collapse:collapse;">
    <tr>
  <td style="vertical-align:top; padding:0 8px 10px 0;">
    <Icon icon="material-filled-person" color="#d760f9"/>
  </td>
  <td style="vertical-align:top; padding:0 0 10px 0;">
    All <span style="color:#d760f9; font-weight:600;">Account Owners</span>, <span style="color:#d760f9; font-weight:600;">Security Admins</span> and <span style="color:#d760f9; font-weight:600;">End Users</span>
  </td>
</tr>
    <tr>
  <td style="vertical-align:top; padding:0 8px 0 0;">
    <Icon icon="material-filled-flag" color="#d760f9"/>
  </td>
  <td style="vertical-align:top; padding:0;">
    Available on the <span style="color:#d760f9; font-weight:600;">Business</span> plan
  </td>
</tr>
  </table>
</div>

:::info
Automated monitors validate controls using real-time data from integrated systems. This eliminates the need for manual evidence collection for many technical controls.
:::

:::tip
The more integrations you connect, the more coverage you get. Each integration expands your ability to automatically validate compliance requirements.
:::

## View Controls

<Steps>
<Step title="Sign in to WatchDog Security">
  Sign in to the [**WatchDog Security Platform**](app.watchdogsecurity.io).
</Step>
<Step title="Open Compliance Center">
  Navigate to the **Compliance Center** from the sidebar.
</Step>
<Step title="Select Framework">
  Select a framework in **Compliance Center**.
</Step>
<Step title="Select Control">
  Select a control in the **Selected Framework**. to view its monitors and documents
</Step>
</Steps>

---

## What Happens Next

<TipInfo>Monitors continuously evaluate compliance conditions.</TipInfo>
<TipInfo>Evidence is automatically collected and updated.</TipInfo>
<TipInfo>Control status updates based on monitor results.</TipInfo>

---

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>

<Accordion title="Monitor Not Collecting Data" defaultOpen>
If monitors are not working:

- Ensure required **integration is connected**
- Verify integration permissions are valid
- Confirm the integration is included in framework scope
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Monitor Showing Incorrect Status">
If results appear incorrect:

- Check integration data freshness
- Validate configuration in the source system
</Accordion>

</AccordionGroup>
