A configuration management system is a standardized, effective, and efficient way to manage changes to project documentation. A configuration management system is a set of tools and processes that help to track, control, and update the configuration items (CIs) of a project, such as documents, requirements, designs, code, tests, etc. A configuration management system helps to ensure that the project documentation is consistent, accurate, and up-to-date throughout the project life cycle. It also helps to maintain the traceability and auditability of the changes made to the project documentation. A configuration management system typically includes the following components:
* A configuration management plan that defines the scope, roles, responsibilities, policies, procedures, and standards for configuration management.
* A configuration management database (CMDB) that stores the information about the CIs, their attributes, relationships, versions, baselines, and changes.
* A configuration identification process that assigns unique identifiers and names to the CIs and their versions.
* A configuration control process that evaluates, approves, and implements changes to the CIs and their versions.
* A configuration status accounting process that records and reports the status and history of the CIs and their versions.
* A configuration verification and audit process that verifies and validates the CIs and their versions against the requirements and specifications.
References: = PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)Examination Content Outline, page 13.