A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller comprises a first sensor operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum therefrom. The controller produces a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. A processor is operatively connected to the first sensor for receiving the first signal. The processor includes a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference signal representing a predetermined vacuum range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for milking system pulsators. The processor generates at least one control signal when the designed pulsator pulsating vacuum level is at a vacuum level outside of the predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside of the range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for the milking system pulsators.