TABLE OF CONTENTS The CM process described in this standard is comprised of five CM functions and their CM principles that together provide a flexible implementation structure. The CM process provides consistency between product requirements, product configuration information and product attributes.
The five CM functions are 1) Configuration Management Planning and Management, 2) Configuration Identification, 3) Configuration Change Management, 4) Configuration Status Accounting and 5) Configuration Verification & Audit. See Figure 1.
Configuration Management implementation requires a balanced and consistent application of the CM functions. Maximum benefit from the CM process is assured when the five functions work together throughout the product life cycle. Significant additional expenses may be incurred to reestablish the accuracy of product configuration information when CM is not applied continuously throughout the product life cycle.
To achieve consistency of the product attributes and the information about them, a product's performance, functional, and physical attributes are identified and defined in product definition information. The product definition information becomes more detailed and definitive as the life cycle progresses and is used throughout the life cycle to define configuration baselines. The defined attributes in the baseline are then achieved in a product, and the product and its information are verified for consistency.
Consistency is maintained throughout the product life cycle by identifying and evaluating the impact of all proposed changes through the configuration change management process, including verification that the product and all associated product information have been updated and continue to...
