CMstat has announced the next dates in October, 2024, and February, 2025, for its exclusive training course on Data Management for Configuration Data Managers using the SAE GEIA-859 standard.

In this CMDM Coaches Corner we respond to a question heard many times that impacts the performance of the Configuration Management and Data Management function within an aerospace & defense program: “Why can’t the combination of spreadsheets and shared drives constitute a good CM/DM tool set?”

There are numerous challenges to properly implementing Configuration Management and Data Management (CM/DM) within an organization, a program, or across an entire enterprise including its supply chain partners. Historically, many of these obstacles were due to technology and tools as frequently discussed in past CMsights articles, but that is no longer the case as we will discuss.

A new training course from CMstat will provide an introduction to the Principles of Applied GEIA859 Enterprise Data Management (DM) with emphasis on what the practical application of DM truly entails for a product, project, program, or enterprise. Students will gain an understanding of DM functions and how they work in concert to enable best-in-class management, identification, storage, protection and access control of all types of data.

A frequent question we hear in conversations about Configuration Management and Data Management on LinkedIn, when teaching classes, or speaking with CMstat customers is:  “How do I gain the CM/DM team more respect and stature within my company so that we always have a seat at the table when important decisions are being made that affect us?”

From my 35 years of experience working for Aerospace & Defense contractors I have witnessed that some experienced engineers and program managers truly understand, and thus appreciate, the importance of Configuration Management and Data Management (CMDM) in their organizations. Yet, others still do not respect the CMDM function for a myriad of reasons I have encountered over the years. Some of these concerns are quite reasonable, while others not so much.

CMstat has announced the addition of Dave Allen to its team of Configuration Management and Data Management professionals. In his new role Dave will serve as the company’s executive representative and business ambassador to the Aerospace & Defense Industry.

One of the more frequent observations that we at CMstat takeaway after meeting with a prospective customer in the A&D industry is the lack of awareness in the job function of those who manage the delivery of CDRL data and documentation to their own customers. While some managers may be…