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Configuration management is about managing change of the multiple items composing an information system. This article puts in reference the configuration management function and the ISO 9001 standard. This standard offers a wide range of advice on how to deal with this important, but often neglected, aspect of software engineering.
The software engineering practices associated with software configuration management (SCM or CM) offer a number of opportunities to address requirements found in the International Standard, ISO 9001. From a management perspective, the principles and practices of CM represent an accepted and understood foundation for implementing ISO-compliant processes in software engineering organizations. In addition, the growing number of tools for automating CM practices is chance for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of these processes.
This article begins with brief, general definitions of configuration management and of ISO 9001.
Configuration Management
While there is no single definition of CM, there are three widely disseminated views from three different sources: the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), and the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University.
The IEEE perspective on CM
A most widely understood description of the practices associated with configuration management is found in the IEEE Standard 828-1990, Software Configuration Management Plans.
[Numbers in brackets are added]
"SCM activities are traditionally grouped into four functions: [1] configuration identification, [2] configuration control, [3] status accounting, and [4] configuration audits and reviews."
IEEE Standard 828-1990 goes on to list specific activities associated with each of the four functions (the number of the paragraph containing the reference appears in parentheses):
* Identification: identify, name, and describe the documented physical and functional characteristics of the code, specifications, design, and data elements to be controlled for the project. (Paragraph 2.3.1)
* Control: request, evaluate, approve or disapprove, and implement changes (Paragraph 2.3.2)
* Status accounting: record and report the status of project configuration items [initial approved version. status of requested changes, implementation status of approved changes] (Paragraph 2.3.3)
* Audits and reviews: determine to what extent the actual configuration item reflects the required physical and functional characteristics (Paragraph 2.3.4)
This list is similar to the set of activities noted by Pressman:
"Software configuration management is an umbrella activity ... developed to (1) identify change, (2) control change, (3) ensure that change is being properly implemented, and (4) report change to others who may have an interest.
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