Learn how to manage the configuration baselines and variants of a system using best practices and tools for configuration management in systems engineering.

Managing configuration baselines and variants requires a systematic approach. Establish clear version control processes to track changes and revisions. Use tools like version control systems or configuration management databases to manage baselines effectively. Regularly review and update documentation to reflect changes, ensuring consistency and traceability. 🔍📝🔄

Last updated on Aug 27, 2024

How do you manage the configuration baselines and variants of a system?

Configuration management (CM) is a vital process in systems engineering that ensures the consistency, traceability, and quality of a system throughout its life cycle. One of the main aspects of CM is to manage the configuration baselines and variants of a system, which are the approved versions and alternatives of the system's components, interfaces, and requirements. In this article, learn how to manage the configuration baselines and variants of a system.

1 Define the configuration items

Define the configuration items (CIs), which are the units of configuration management that represent the system's elements. CIs can be hardware, software, documents, or any other deliverable that has a defined function and identity. Identify the CIs that are relevant for your system, assign them unique identifiers, and document their attributes, relationships, and dependencies.

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Nima Zafarpoor

QA & QC Expert* IRCA Certified Lead auditor*Project Management*Project Portfolio Management*QA Engineering*Quality Auditing*Administrative Management Expet*QA Manager at Yaks* Trainer*
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Managing configuration baselines and variants requires a systematic approach. Establish clear version control processes to track changes and revisions. Use tools like version control systems or configuration management databases to manage baselines effectively. Regularly review and update documentation to reflect changes, ensuring consistency and traceability. 🔍📝🔄

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Harshvardhan Sharma

Software Engineer at Suse | Ansible | OpenShift | Linux | Ex - Red Hat | Ex - Kyndryl/IBM
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Ansible roles and playbooks are at the core of managing our baselines and variants. They allow us to define baseline configurations while using variables and templates to manage system variations, ensuring a single source of truth that is both authoritative and adaptable.

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Abrar Khalid

Product Line Analyst I (Business Analyst-Sustainability) at H.B Fuller
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To manage configuration baselines and variants, establish clear baseline versions for each configuration state, document them thoroughly, and control changes through a formal change management process. Track and manage variants by maintaining detailed records of deviations from baselines, ensuring proper version control, and using tools to monitor and document these changes throughout the system’s lifecycle.

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2 Establish the configuration baselines

Configuration baselines provide a stable basis for change control, verification, and validation. Create and maintain configuration baselines for each phase of the system life cycle, such as functional, allocated, product, and operational baselines. Also document the rationale, criteria, and approval process for each baseline.

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3 Manage the configuration changes

Configuration changes, the modifications from the configuration baselines that occur due to evolving requirements, design decisions, testing results, or customer feedback, can affect the performance, functionality, or compatibility of the system or its CIs. Implement a formal change control process that defines the roles, responsibilities, procedures, and tools for proposing, reviewing, approving, implementing, and tracking configuration changes. Also ensure that the configuration changes are communicated, documented, and reflected in the configuration baselines.

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4 Manage the configuration variants

Configuration variants can result from design choices, market demands, or environmental factors. Identify the types of configuration variants, such as optional features, parameter settings, or regional adaptations. Also define and document the rules, criteria, and methods for creating, selecting, and applying configuration variants.

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5 Use configuration management tools

Configuration management tools identify, store, control, track, and audit the configuration baselines and variants of your system. Select and use configuration management tools that are compatible with your system's characteristics, requirements, and standards. Also ensure that the configuration management tools are integrated, configured, and maintained properly.

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6 Follow configuration management standards

Configuration management standards ensure the quality, consistency, and compliance of your system's configuration baselines and variants. Follow the configuration management standards that are applicable for your system's domain, industry, or organization. Also review and update the configuration management standards as needed.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you manage the configuration baselines and variants of a system?

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1 Define the configuration items

2 Establish the configuration baselines

3 Manage the configuration changes

4 Manage the configuration variants

5 Use configuration management tools

6 Follow configuration management standards

7 Here’s what else to consider

Configuration Management

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