What are the best practices for conducting baseline analysis in CM?

1 Define your baselines

Before you can perform baseline analysis, you need to define your baselines, which are the reference points or standards for your CIs. Baselines can be based on different criteria, such as functional, performance, design, or quality requirements. You should document your baselines clearly and formally, and get them approved by the relevant stakeholders. Baselines should also be versioned and stored in a secure and accessible repository, such as a configuration management database (CMDB).

2 Choose your analysis method

When conducting baseline analysis, the type, complexity, and scope of your CIs will determine which methods you use. For example, comparison involves comparing attributes or characteristics of your CIs with the baselines to identify deviations or mismatches. This can be done using tools like diff or compare. Verification, on the other hand, requires checking if your CIs meet the specifications or criteria defined by the baselines and function as expected. Tools such as testing, auditing, or inspection can be used for this purpose. Lastly, evaluation is about assessing the quality or performance of your CIs against the baselines to see if they meet expectations or objectives of stakeholders. Metrics, feedback, or reviews are some of the tools that can be used for this type of analysis.

3 Select your analysis metrics

In order to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of your baseline analysis, you need to select metrics that can quantify and evaluate your results. These metrics may be based on accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or compliance, and can include the deviation rate, verification rate, and evaluation score. The deviation rate indicates the percentage of CIs that deviate from the baselines, with a low rate implying a high level of alignment and consistency. The verification rate shows the percentage of CIs that pass the verification tests or audits, with a high rate indicating a high level of quality and functionality. The evaluation score is the average score or rating of your CIs based on the evaluation criteria or feedback, with a high score implying a high degree of satisfaction and value.

4 Review your analysis results

After you have performed your baseline analysis and collected your metrics, you need to review your results and identify any issues, gaps, or opportunities for improvement. You should communicate your results to the relevant stakeholders, and solicit their feedback and suggestions. You should also document your results and findings, and update your baselines or CIs if needed. You should also plan and implement any corrective or preventive actions to address any problems or risks that arise from your analysis.

5 Monitor and control your baselines

Baseline analysis is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process that requires regular monitoring and control. You should track and record any changes to your baselines or CIs, and ensure that they are authorized, documented, and communicated. You should also perform periodic baseline analysis to verify and evaluate your CIs, and measure their performance and quality. You should also review and adjust your analysis methods and metrics as needed, and ensure that they are aligned with your CM goals and objectives.