Discussion on Configuration Management

Originally Configuration Management was restricted to the control of the functional and physical characteristics of a system described in its technical documentation.
However, some recent standardization documents seem to accept that the principle shall be extended to incorporate the CI associated documents, test documents, management documents, Reports, Records, etc., which were change controlled by procedures defined in the SEMP or Documentation Standard.
It appears (STANAG 4159 and DEF STAN 05-57) that some functions which have always been considered as Systems Engineering tasks have been transferred or duplicated as Configuration Management functions. Tasks such as "Formal Technical Reviews", "Baseline Management", "Decision and Control", Specification Tree", etc., should be "System Engineering Management" functions!
While this principle appears sound, in fact to much CM does cause more problems and expense. See MIL-STD-493
I would therefore suggest that distinctions be made in CM:

• Configuration Control - limited to end-items (Identified Systems, Subsystems, HWCIs, and CSCIs) baselined specifications, design documents, operational, and support documentation;
• Documentation control - Changes to CI associated documents (Management, test, quality evaluation records, reports, etc).;
• Software Version Control - Change control of the software units during development and maintenance;
• Library control - externally sourced and internally prepared and archived documents pertinent to the project;
• Database control - Control of the changes to software tools and their products (electronic copies of files, diagrams, database records, etc.,).

Changes to documents are detailed in the 'Documentation Standard' section 3.2. Additional procedural documentation shall be prepared by the individual suppliers to suit individual needs. 

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