There are numerous uses of Configuration Management (CM) within the Aerospace & Defense industry outside of an OEM’s product engineering organization where rudimentary change control and configuration management may have been implemented as part of an engineering-centric PDM system.

This CMsights article illustrates one example “As-Configured” case study including the customer business challenges, CM deficiencies discovered, why existing tools were inadequate, requirements for a new solution, and the results attained along with benefits to the customer.

This month’s CMsights looks at the why, what, who, and how of performing a Configuration Management Assessment (CMA). But first, what exactly is a CMA?

A CMA typically provides a fact-finding review and independent analysis of current CM-related processes, plans, performance gaps, best practices support, personnel competencies, standards adherence, and deployed software. A comprehensive CMA will also identify and prioritize prospective improvements to any elements found deficient.