Configuration Management
DE: Konfigurationsmanagement
Managing and controlling changes to project deliverables and documentation.
Detailed Explanation
Configuration management establishes and maintains consistency of a product's attributes with its requirements and design throughout its life. It ensures changes to deliverables and documents are controlled and tracked systematically.
While change control governs whether a change is approved, configuration management ensures it is properly implemented, documented, and traceable. It answers: 'What is the current approved version of this deliverable?'
Key activities include configuration identification, status accounting, verification and audit, and configuration control through formal processes.
Key Points
- Ensures consistency between deliverables and specifications
- Works alongside integrated change control
- Includes identification, status accounting, verification, and control
- Tracks all document and deliverable versions
- Essential for regulatory compliance and audit trails
- Prevents 'which version is latest?' confusion
Practical Example
A pharmaceutical company tracks every version of drug label designs, regulatory submissions, and manufacturing specs. Configuration management ensures manufacturing uses exactly the regulator-approved Version 3.2 — not 3.1 or an unapproved draft. Every change is logged and traceable.
Tips for Learning and Applying
Use version control tools (Git, SharePoint) to automate tracking
Define which items need configuration control early in planning
Conduct periodic configuration audits
Integrate with your change control process seamlessly
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