Introduction/Purpose

DOE-STD-1073-2003

Configuration Management

1 INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE

The purpose of this standard is to define the objectives of a configuration management

process for DOE nuclear facilities (including activities and operations), and to provide

detailed examples and supplementary guidance on methods of achieving those objectives.

Configuration management is a disciplined process that involves both management and

technical direction to establish and document the design requirements and the physical

configuration of the nuclear facility and to ensure that they remain consistent with each

other and the documentation.

The size, complexity, and missions of DOE nuclear facilities vary widely and

configuration management processes may need to be structured to individual facilities,

activities, and operations. It would generally be inappropriate to apply the same

configuration management standards to widely different activities, for example, a reactor

facility and a small, simple laboratory. The detailed examples and methodologies in this

standard are provided to aid those developing their configuration management processes;

however, they are provided for guidance only and may not be appropriate for application

to all DOE nuclear activities. The individuals defining the configuration management

process for a particular nuclear activity will need to apply judgment to determine if the

examples and methods presented in this standard are appropriate for the activity.

Nevertheless, the basic objectives and general principles of configuration management

are the same for all activities. The objectives of configuration management are to:

(1) establish consistency among design requirements, physical configuration, and

documentation (including analysis, drawings, and procedures) for the activity, and

(2) maintain this consistency throughout the life of the facility or activity, particularly

as changes are being made.

This objective and the relationship between design, documentation, and the actual

physical plant configuration of the facility, activity, or operation are illustrated in

Figure 1-1.

1-1