Configuration Management Plan

The configuration management plan (CM Plan) is first defined during the project planning process and is part of the overall project plan. Like all planning documents, the level of detail included in the CM Plan should be consistent with the risk levels, compliance requirements and composition of the project team. As a guide, Table 12.2 lists the minimum topics that should be covered in a CM Plan.

Table 12.2. Recommended Sections for Configuration Management Plan

Element	Definition	Notes
Targets	The project work products to be managed.	Usually all project work products.
Repository	The location and definition of thecentral project repository.	Depending on work product types, there may be more than one. There should only be one document repository.
Directory Structure	Defines the organization of the project repository.	Usually organized by project phases and work product type.
File Naming Conventions	Defines the conventions to be used for naming project files.	Should include project name and work product name at a minimum.
Tools	List the configuration management tools to be utilized on the project.
Process and Procedures	Defines how work products are introduced into the repository and how revisions are made to them. Defines the review and approval process for any work product requiring authorization before a change can be official.	May reference sub-configuration management plans if multiple tools are used/needed.
Roles and Responsibilities	Defines the key roles in the configuration management process and what each project team member can do.	The key role is the Librarian.
Reporting	Defines how configuration management status will be reported and what metrics are needed for this project.	Deliverable Tracker
Audits	Defines how the configuration management process will be audited for compliance and when those audits will occur.	Often a part of the QA Review process.
Relation to other CM Plans	Indicates whether configuration management plans are involved and how they integrate with the overall project plan.	Supplier CM Plans Specific work product type CM plans