Functional Model

DOESTD107393

Configuration management is a method of doing business that maintains consistency among design

requirements, physical configuration, and facility documentation. The success of any CM program

depends on every individual who performs activities related to CM functions. Fulfilling the CM program

objective necessitates that a number of functions be accomplished. For convenience, these functions

are grouped Into five basic program elements:

program management

design requirements

document control

change control

assessments

These five elements encompass the primary challenges to establishing and maintaining configuration

management at most facilities.

Certain additional functions may be needed to establish configuration management but may not be

needed for the whole life of the operational CM program. These functions are grouped into two adjunct

programs: design reconstitution, and material condition and aging management. The adjunct programs

differ from the five basic program elements in that they are essentially one-time efforts, the results of

which are integrated into the ongoing CM program.

The five elements and two adjunct programs with their constituent functions are depicted in Figure 1-2,

the functional model of operational CM. This model provides a framework for visualizing the extent and

nature of the operational CM program.

Figure 1-2 is purely functional; it is not intended to depict a particular organization of people nor a

particular relationship to existing programs that may already accomplish some configuration

management functions. The management of each facility decides what is best in terms of the

organizational structure for implementing operational CM and the relationship of existing programs to the

operational configuration management program.

The functional model of operational configuration management implies, and the balance of this

Standard makes explicit, that the operational CM program does not manage the interfacing programs; it

identifies those interfaces and ensures their effectiveness in fulfilling CM functions. It is preferable that

contractors build on existing programs within their established organizational structure, as much as

practicable. The CM program is intended to orient personnel and programs toward establishing and

maintaining the CM program basic relationships; to improve, where necessary, existing programs and

procedures that provide CM functions; to establish new programs or functions where necessary; and to

strengthen the interfaces among these programs. The extent to which existing programs fulfill the

functions of CM (enumerated in Figure 1-2) has a significant bearing on the number and magnitude of

new actions necessary to implement the operational CM program. For CM functions accomplished by

existing programs, the operational CM program should ensure that those functions are implemented in

an integrated and coordinated manner that satisfies the program objective.

This section provides the general program criteria that define the functions of operational CM, including

those of the adjunct programs. These criteria encompass the program objectives and content and

should guide the development and implementation of CM programs. These criteria describe an

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