Practical CM: Best Configuration Management Practices for the 21st Century [Hardcover]

The answer, as David Douglas Lyon points out in this eminently readable text, lies in automating the CM process with well-adapted software tools. From a clear examination of the conventional, classical CM process in a manufacturing environment, he then proceeds to describe the stepwise implementation of the new CM process using tools such as Product Data Management (PDM) systems. The result builds on best CM practices and, through the use of specific procedures and guidelines, maps out the steps to implement a fully automated CM environment in a cost-effective manner.

This is a practical, "how-to" book written by an experienced practitioner. There is something here for every reader providing food for thought across the spectrum from basic to advanced level. The complete planning, implementation and integration process for a PDM system is clearly laid out in a series of templates and the annex material. As a roadmap and invaluable guide to implementing a configuration management program, Mr. Lyon devotes an entire annex to the development of a Configuration Management Plan and another to tool selection.

In sum, this volume serves as a valuable guide to those seeking to combine powerful, computer-based tools to complement a mature, proven configuration management process. This is recommended reading for those seeking a CM process appropriate to enter the Twenty First Century.

The first chapter is a 1 page summary of change philosophy, followed by a chapter that sets the scope of this book with an in-depth treatment of how CM and engineering development interrelate, with an emphasis on design control. This segues into a chapter on developing a CM plan and tailoring it to your specific requirements. The fourth chapter covers CM basics (in my opinion this should have been chapter 1), and also provides some advanced techniques and approaches. This chapter draws heavily from MIL-STD-973 and the related EIA standard 649, both of which are excellent foundations of a good CM program. A highlight of this chapter is the section on configuration control boards (CCB), which covers in depth roles and responsibilities, as well as key processes such as problem resolution and the change life cycle from the CCB point of view. This section is further augmented by chapter 8, which sets forth the roles, responsibilities and processes of a problem resolution board (PRB). The CCB and PRB are key organizational components of a strong configuration management process and this information makes this book valuable.

Another strong chapter, 5, is devoted to transitioning to production. While this book is not specifically about software configuration management, this chapter provides guidance and techniques with respect to release management that are missing from most books on software configuration management. Chapter 6, which covers production and support, are also as applicable to SCM as it is to system engineering.

The appendices are invaluable. In particular, appendices A (configuration management plan preparation guidelines) and B (questions and answers) provide clarity to some aspects of CM that usually take years of experience to master.

This book will not replace any of my books on SCM, but it nicely augments them. It is definitely must reading for system engineering practitioners, and should also be in the reference libraries of IS/IT production support and data center management professionals.

This edition has been superseded and replaced by ISBN: 0966124820, 'Practical CM: Best Configuration Manageement Practices for the 21st Century', Fourth Edition, Year 2002 version, spiral bound with CD-ROM.