Configuration Management (CM)

A disciplined process for identifying, documenting, controlling, and tracking the functional, physical, and performance characteristics of a system, product, or service throughout its lifecycle. Configuration Management (CM) ensures that approved requirements, designs, documentation, software, hardware, and other configuration items remain consistent as changes are made over time. It includes activities such as configuration identification, change control, status accounting, and configuration verification and audits. Effective configuration management helps maintain product integrity, supports regulatory and contractual compliance, reduces the risk of unauthorised changes, and ensures that all stakeholders are working from approved and current versions of configuration information.