Configuration Management (Configuration Management – CM) is a structured discipline that ensures the systematic identification, organization, control, and documentation of project assets throughout a project's entire lifecycle.
As defined in the Practice Standard for Project Configuration Management, published by the Project Management Institute (PMI) in 2007, this management process aims to ensure the integrity, traceability, and control of project deliverables and supporting documentation in the face of changes. Configuration Management is one of the fundamental components that supports project success by ensuring the harmonious execution of a project's technical and administrative aspects. This practice plays a critical role in managing changes and ensuring information integrity, especially in multi-component and multi-stakeholder projects. This management discipline is not exclusive to engineering or product development processes; it also covers managerial documents such as project plans, process documentation, specifications, and performance reports.
Electrical Engineer Inspecting Electrical System in Equipment Control Cabinet (Quoted from iStock website.)
Configuration Management Planning
This process defines how CM will be implemented. Organizational structure, communication channels, necessary training, and roles are defined here. During the planning phase, project-specific configuration needs are analyzed, and procedures to be applied are established. The standard emphasizes that this plan should function as a complementary component of the project management plan.
Configuration Identification
Configuration items (CIs) that need to be tracked within the project are identified and classified. At this stage, identity information, version numbers, and location details for each item are systematically created. This ensures the traceability of each item. Additionally, a project-specific taxonomy (classification scheme) is developed to ensure the standardization of document structure.
Configuration Change Management
This process defines how changes to any configuration item in the project will be controlled, approved, and documented. Structured procedures are used for evaluating change requests and documenting their outcomes. A Change Control Board (CCB) often plays an effective role in managing this process most of the time.
Configuration Status Accounting
This process involves collecting all information related to configuration items, updating their statuses, and reporting them to relevant stakeholders. By keeping CM records in a systematic and accessible manner, monitoring and evaluation activities throughout the project are facilitated.
Configuration Verification and Audit
These audits, conducted during or at the end of the project, check the conformity of configuration items with defined standards, technical requirements, and documentation. The goal is to verify that the configuration system is functioning correctly and that items are produced as specified.
Configuration Management is vital for preventing information chaos that can arise from changes in the project environment and for increasing confidence in project deliverables. This discipline contributes to transparent, sustainable, and controllable project management. When applied correctly, especially in complex and long-term projects, it supports quality control processes and enhances predictability in project cost and time planning.
In conclusion, this practice standard published by PMI positions configuration management not just as a technical necessity, but also as a managerial safety net. A well-planned and effectively implemented Configuration Management process secures the consistency and traceability of project deliverables, thereby increasing the project success rate.
