Explorer

• What is Project and Programme Management?
• What is Programme Management ?
• What is Project Management ?
• Project Start-Up Project Foundation
• Through Life Management
• Through Life Finance
  • What is Through Life Finance ?
  • Summary of Mandates
  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Training and Competences
  • Common Terms
  • Points of Contact
• Earned Value Management
  • Introduction to EVM
  • EVM Process
    • Readiness Review
    • Systems Review
    • Integrated Baseline Review
    • Demonstration Review
    • Surveillance Review
  • Analysis and Forecasts
    • Cost Variance
    • Schedule Variance
    • Estimate At Complete
    • Estimate To Complete
    • To Complete Performance Index
    • Payment By Earned Value
  • Further Information
  • Training
  • Common Terms
  • Points of Contact
• Planning and Scheduling
  • Principles of Planning and Scheduling
  • What is Planning and Scheduling ?
  • When Should Planning and Scheduling be Carried Out ?
  • Who is Involved in Planning and Scheduling ?
  • How are Plans and Schedules Developed ?
  • The Planning and Scheduling Process
    • Stage 1 – Define Scope and Responsibilities
    • Stage 2 – Schedule Resources
    • Stage 3 – Estimate Costs
    • Stage 4 – Manage Risk
  • Training and Competences
  • Common Terms
  • Points of Contact
• Risk Management
• Managing Quality
• Configuration Management
  • What is Configuration Management ?
  • Who has Responsibilities for CM ?
  • CM Policy and Principles
  • CM System Process Diagram
  • CM in Acquisition
    • Control of CM
  • What to do Checklist
  • Further Information
  • Training and Competences
  • Common Terms
  • Points of Contact
• Standardization
  • Introduction to Standardization
  • Standardization Management Objectives
  • Standardization Management Policy
  • Standardization Management Principles
  • Standardization Management Process
  • Training and Competences
  • Common Terms
  • Points of Contact
• Infrastructure for Equipment Projects
  • Introduction
  • Infrastructure Acquisition
  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Advice and Support for Equipment Projects
  • Points of Contact
• Learning From Experience
  • Introduction to Learning From Experience
  • Learning From Experience Process
  • Learning From Experience Triggers
  • Learning From Experience Workshops
    • What is a Learning From Experience Workshop ?
    • How to run a Learning From Experience Workshop
  • Benefits of Learning From Experience
  • Further information

What is Configuration Management (CM) ?

Configuration Management (CM) is the application of control over a products form, fit and functional characteristics as described in technical documentation, and later achieved in the product. It provides a mechanism for controlling product functional and physical characteristics throughout the acquisition lifecycle and enables an orderly transition from development to production and entry into service.

CM provides a record of changes throughout the life of the product and shows any dependencies between products and their sub systems or components. The record of changes against the baseline must be made available to both MOD and the Supplier.

MOD policy on CM is explained in the CM Policy and Principles topic.

What is the purpose and benefits of Configuration Management ?

• Defined requirements are controlled.
• Product configuration information is documented and visible.
• The configuration status is continuously recorded.
• Management of selected configured items.
• Identification and recording of physical and functional product characteristics.
• Control product changes and modifications.
• Verification of products against documented baselines.
• Verification of physical and functional characteristics.
• Product interfaces are maintained throughout the lifecycle.

CM must be used throughout an entire organisation to ensure that all information available and equipment used is current, verified and validated.

Change History

1 August 2010

Minor changes to improve clarity.

1 August 2008

Updated to provide more detailed information.