TechAmerica/ANSI EIA-649-B

This standard defines five CM functions and their underlying principles. The functions are detailed in Section 5. The principles, highlighted in text boxes, are designed to individually identify the essence of the related CM function, and can be used to collectively create a checklist of criteria to evaluate a CM program.

In describing each CM function and its principles, this standard utilizes neutral Configuration Management terminology, while also providing equivalent terms, that have historically been used in various product environments (see Table 2). There is no intent to express preference for any particular set of terminology.

Similarly, this standard uses a neutral set of names for the phases of a products life cycle, which are generic enough to be easily mapped to the myriad of different life cycle models in use. Table 1 illustrates some of the aliases for each phase name and identifies characteristics that apply in each one.

Regardless of the titles chosen for these phases, or whether the product is a facility, software, an airplane or a machine screw, at some time in its history a product will go through all or most of these phases. The phases can have considerable overlap, or the sequence of the phases might change or be repeated, e.g., for product improvements and enhancements. Approved configurations of a product can be in the build, distribution, operation, and disposal phases simultaneously, and changes to those configurations may occur during all life cycle phases.

Appropriate application of CM functions enables a user of this standard to plan and implement a CM program for a product, project, or enterprise. The degree to which each of the CM principles applies to a product varies over the products life cycle. Some principles do not apply during every phase of the products life cycle, e.g., configuration verification and audit principles are not applicable in the conception or definition phases. The degree of rigor and techniques used in implementing CM is commensurate with the type of product and its application environment as defined by program requirements.

This product is related to: SEPT CM Template - Product 76 - Templates for Software Configuration
This product replaces:TechAmerica/ANSI EIA-649-B - National Consensus Standard for Configuration Management