How can you effectively manage configuration in a fast-paced development environment?

1 Define a CM plan

A CM plan is a document that specifies the scope, objectives, roles, responsibilities, procedures, tools, and standards for CM in your project. It should align with the system's requirements, architecture, and development methodology, and be approved by the relevant authorities. A CM plan helps you to establish a common understanding of the CM process, communicate expectations, and monitor progress.

2 Use a CM tool

A CM tool is a software application that supports the CM process by automating tasks such as version control, change control, status accounting, and auditing. A CM tool can help you to manage the configuration items (CIs) of your system, track their changes and dependencies, and maintain their baselines and variants. A CM tool can also facilitate collaboration, documentation, and reporting among the project team and stakeholders.

3 Implement a CM process

A CM process is a set of activities that define how the CIs are identified, controlled, audited, and reported throughout the development lifecycle. A CM process should follow the principles of the ISO 10007:2017 standard, which include planning, identification, control, status accounting, audit, and review. A CM process should also be tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of your project, such as the size, complexity, risk, and quality of the system.

4 Apply a CM strategy

A CM strategy is a way of organizing and managing the CIs of your system according to their characteristics, relationships, and evolution. A CM strategy can help you to optimize the performance, flexibility, and maintainability of your system, as well as to reduce errors, conflicts, and rework. Some examples of CM strategies are product line engineering, model-based systems engineering, agile development, and continuous integration and delivery.

5 Train and educate the CM team

The CM team is the group of people who are responsible for performing and supporting the CM process in your project. The CM team should have the appropriate skills, knowledge, and experience to handle the CM tasks effectively and efficiently. The CM team should also be trained and educated on the CM plan, tool, process, and strategy, as well as on the system's requirements, architecture, and development methodology. The CM team should also be aware of the best practices and standards for CM in systems engineering.

6 Evaluate and improve the CM process

The CM process should be evaluated and improved regularly to ensure its effectiveness, efficiency, and suitability for your project. You can use various methods and metrics to measure and analyze the CM process, such as audits, reviews, feedback, surveys, indicators, and benchmarks. You can also use various techniques and tools to improve the CM process, such as lessons learned, root cause analysis, corrective actions, preventive actions, and continuous improvement cycles.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?