What Is a Project Control Book?
The project control book (PCB) is a collection of project documentation that establishes the framework for controlling the project. WWPMM defines the PCB as "the organized folder, or set of folders, where the agreements, plans, procedures, and records supporting the project management system are kept, referenced, and cross-referenced, as appropriate, to help in retrieving the information needed at any point in time for project management purposes." In Integrated Product Development (IPD), the PCB is called the integrated project file, or IPF.
The Purposes of a Project Control Book
The PCB helps you keep the project documentation up-to-date. It is a central library of project standards and procedures and the output associated with those standards and procedures. It provides a reference document of outputs used to measure project team performance and up to date information about the progress of the project. It also defines a standard way to produce, issue, and maintain project documents. The PCB becomes useful historical information, captures intellectual capital, and is required in some business plans.
The PCB is used as a basis for reviews and audits, as an information repository for team members, and as a tool for other project managers. It is important that you have all the latest information and status in your PCB.