CMII Infrastructure and Terminologies
by Vince Guess
CMII provides user-preferred methods and information displays for performing configuration management-related tasks. As-planned and as-released baselines are the cornerstone of the CMII model and are closely coupled to a closed-loop change process with fast-track capability.
CMII makes a clear distinction between (1) physical items, (2) documents, (3) forms and (4) records. These four categories are subdivided by type. Terms such as "objects" and "classes" are confusing to users and are avoided.
Physical items are identified by (1) identification number, (2) name and (3) description. Per CMII rules, physical items that carry the same ID number are fully interchangeable. Those which are interchangeable and do not carry the same ID number are cross-referenced and treated as "equivalent items." A screenshot that contains an item ID number always includes the name of that item.
Documents are identified by (1) type, (2) number and (3) revision level. Document types include specifications, schematics, drawings, bills of material, process plans, manuals, etc. The revision level is assigned when a document is initially released. It is advanced with each revision. No document is owned by a single individual. Each document is co-owned by (1) a creator or author and (2) a designated user or team of users.
CMII forms include (1) problem reports, (2) enterprise change requests or ECRs, (3) enterprise change notices or ECNs, (4) document change records or DCRs and (5) work authorizations such as Purchase Orders, Shop Orders, Modification Orders, etc.
ECNs provide the authority to work on documents and upgrade released information. Work authorizations provide the authority to work on physical items in a controlled work environment where results must conform to released requirements.
ECRs are written against released documents, not physical items. ECNs are used to implement approved ECRs. The ECN is the authority to upgrade released information. Physical items must conform to released documents in accordance with their effectivities.
Records are comprised of completed forms and referenced documents. Records include evidence that the work was authorized and that the requirements were achieved. Any nonconformances that were accepted are noted and described.
Each physical item and each document has its own meta data. Meta data for newly created items and documents of the same type are reused.
Institute of Configuration Management Scottsdale, AZ 85261-5656 Tel: (480) 998-8600 Fax: (480) 998-8923 Email: info@icmhq.com