Configuration Management FAQs for Product, Project and Program Managers
Over the past few years in our CMsights blog posts we addressed numerous topics and frequent questions we have heard about Configuration Management and Configuration Management Software, especially from new product, project, and program managers.
In our latest post to start off the new year we are sharing a Configuration Management blog bibliography – or “CM Blogography” – that we hope will be a quick-reference compendium for managers seeking to learn more about CM.
Instead of presenting the original titles of each CMstat post (or website page) we will summarize each with a question they attempt to answer. We admit that many questions require more discussion than a single post or page to do them full justice, and some deserve formal training, but we hope this provides a start for those managers new to CM.
To help us plan forward, we’ll close by asking readers what topics or questions do they think are under covered and deserve more attention in the new year. We will also invite recommendations of other CM-related educational resources, websites and publications our readers have found valuable.
Here’s our inaugural list of 50 topical questions about the practice of Configuration Management and use of CM software:
What is Configuration Management, including its uses and benefits?
Where is a primer on Configuration Management for Aerospace & Defense managers?
Why is Configuration Management a Quality Management imperative?
How has the role of Configuration Management evolved over the years?
What are 10 truths about Configuration Management that managers should understand?
What industries use Configuration Management and what are the key business problems CM addresses?
What are challenges of the A&D supply chain when implementing Configuration Management?
What is the case for Configuration Management Governance to be overseen by management?
What problems can an organization experience without an effective Configuration Management implementation?
What are the five foundational functions that any Configuration Management Software must support?
What are example applications, capabilities, and features of Configuration Management Software?
What is the history of Configuration Management Software?
What is the future of Configuration Management software in the era of PLM as a platform?
Why can’t existing enterprise PLM software be used for all Configuration Management needs?
Why can’t engineering PDM be employed for all Configuration Management requirements?
What are the requirements for more nimble Configuration Management for the contract supply and service chain?
What is Asset Lifecycle Configuration Management (ALCM) and how is it different from product engineering configuration management?
What are the functions of Hardware Configuration Management (HCM)?
How is HCM used by the A&D Industry?
Where can I see a demonstration of As-Configured Management?
Who really are the users and beneficiaries of Configuration Management Software?
How is Configuration Management employed by logistics professionals?
What are requirements of Configuration Management by the supply chain?
Why is Change Control not the same as Configuration Management?
Why Change Implementation is much more than Change Control?
How is Change Management different than Configuration Management?
What is a Configuration Management Plan?
Why is Configuration Management Planning important for A&D suppliers?
How to determine if Configuration Management is under management control?
How much Configuration Management is good enough?
What is a Configuration Management Assessment and how is it conducted?
What is a Configuration Management Audit?
How are Configuration Management Maturity Models used?
What are Configuration Management standards?
What is an example use of Configuration Management and the EIA-649 standard?
Why are baseline metrics important to track in Configuration Management?
What are Configuration Management Rules important?
What are Hardware Configuration Items and how are they used by the A&D industry?
How does Configuration Management software support Configuration Items?
How are Configuration Items (CI) used in As-X Configuration Management?
What is the role of Configuration Management in the Digital Thread?
How can Digital Twins help with As-Maintained Configuration Management?
What is Contract Deliverables (CDRL) Data Management?
Why is Configuration Management training and certification important?
What are missteps to avoid in getting others to care about Configuration Management?
What are common challenges experienced when implementing Configuration Management?
What are key lessons learned from implementing Configuration Management?
What Configuration Management consulting services does CMstat provide?
What Configuration Management software products does CMstat offer?
Which educational associations and non-commercial organizations can provide additional references and resources?
During 2023 in CMsights we will be addressing other frequent questions that CMstat hears from its customers. Until then, let us know what topics that you wish were better covered by CMstat or CM solution providers and consultants around the world.
Also, feel free to nominate other educational resources, newsletters, blogs and authors you have found valuable in your journey as a CM professional.
Just leave a public comment below or send a private note to information@cmstat.com then follow the discussion on CMstat's LinkedIn page.
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