Control Configuration Items

Control is maintained over the configuration of the work product baseline. This control includes tracking the configuration of each of the configuration items, approving a new configuration if necessary, and updating the baseline.

• Control changes to configuration items throughout the life of the product.
• Obtain appropriate authorization before changed configuration items are entered into the configuration management system. For example, authorization may come from the CCB, the project manager, or the customer.
• Check in and check out configuration items from the configuration management system for incorporation of changes in a manner that maintains the correctness and integrity of the configuration items. Examples of check-in and check-out steps include:
  • Confirming that the revisions are authorized
  • Updating the configuration items
  • Archiving the replaced baseline and retrieving the new baseline
• Perform reviews to ensure that changes have not caused unintended effects on the baselines (e.g., ensure that the changes have not compromised the safety and/or security of the system).
• Record changes to configuration items and the reasons for the changes as appropriate. If a proposed change to the work product is accepted, a schedule is identified for incorporating the change into the work product and other affected areas. Configuration control mechanisms can be tailored to categories of changes. For example, the approval considerations could be less stringent for component changes that do not affect other components. [PA159.IG102.SP102.SubP105.N102] Changed configuration items are released after review and approval of configuration changes. Changes are not official until they are released.