What are the steps in selecting and justifying a new Configuration Data Management software tool? In this series of CMsights posts, Dave Allen, CMstat’s A&D Industry Ambassador, will review steps in the selection processes he has often seen used over his career, as well as those steps which are often overlooked or occasionally misused.

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 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.

Last month we introduced the CMDM Coaches Corner. But before I dive into specific Configuration Management and Data Management topics I wanted to define how I see the role of a coach based upon my experience in CMDM (35 years at Raytheon) and in sports (over 20 years coaching football, currently at the high school level).