Despite the number of sophisticated CM management tools currently available, successful Configuration Management simply boils down to identifying, implementing, and following processes.  

A sound Configuration Management Organization (CMO) is responsible for  processes which govern the

•  Identification
•  Control
•  Audits & Reporting
•  Status Accounting

of the project.  We feel Configuration Management also extends itself to examine the project for any foreseeable problems.  Once identified, the potential problem areas are reported and  discussed for resolution.  The alleviating process and procedure are then documented and submitted for peer review and acceptance.  The successful Software Configuration Management Administrator (SCMA) closes all windows of opportunity that could allow anything to go wrong.

Essential Benefits 

The essential benefits of establishing controlled processes consists of what we call the "Re" Words . . .

• Re-peatability
  • It is essential any instance in time is completely repeatable at any other instant in time during the project lifecycle.  As an example, suppose a function that previously worked for the Developer Engineer no longer works.  That Engineer will desire to, and should be able to effectively return to that instance in the development lifecycle where the code worked to compare the differences of what changed.  SCM Concepts ensures all points of the development lifecycle are repeatable.
• Re-build ability
  • It is essential to be able to rebuild any prior software build with exactly identical output results. As an example, during the project's lifecycle the third-party development tools utilized are often upgraded to support new releases and features. However, one cannot repeat a previous build and not use the exact same tools that was used for the initial build.  They must be capable to return not only to the development code at the time of the initial build, but must also be able to return to the identical configuration.  That configuration includes the tool versions/releases at the time of the initial build.  SCM Concepts ensures every build can be identically repeated at any time during the development lifecycle.
• Re-producibility
  • It is essential to be able to reproduce any (significant) build performed.  Reproducibility is often mistaken for rebuild ability, but there is a significant difference between the two.  Yes, any build must be repeatable, but let's face it, builds can take hours, if not days to complete.  It is not reasonable to believe that those requesting a copy of the build are willing to wait for Configuration Management to re-perform the  build.  That accepted, the necessity to be able to reproduce a build, in entirety, or any portion thereof, in a timely manner can be essential.  SCM Concepts records every (significant) build in their entirety, making them reproducible in that timely manner.
• Re-liability
  • It is also essential that all these concepts are performed in a consistent and successful manner.  SCM Concepts makes every exhaustible effort to ensure that the processes accepted and adopted for the project are consistent and reliable, without error. 
• Re-lief
  • Among the considered essentials is that of Management, as well as the Engineers of the project.  They must feel confident and secure in the CM processes that surrounds their environment.  There needs to be a bond of trust between these departments and the Configuration Management team for the processes to be successful.  SCM Concepts accomplishes this by meeting with our clients face-to-face and develop a full understanding of their unique development goals, problems and issues.  We become viewed as members of the team, rather than a distracting requirement.  

Proposals are discussed between the  teams.  From this plans and procedures are derived for peer approval.  Once accepted, the plans and procedures are documented and published for all team members access.  

However, this in itself does not offer complete relief.  Only after realizing the successes achieved and problems eliminated will total relief be achieved.

Capabilities

• Plans & Procedures

• Process Automation