Cm report

Software Technology Support Center

Software Softw are Configura Configur ation Management Technologies and Applications echnologies Applications

Sponsored by

Embedded Computer Resources (ECR) Support Improvement Program

STSC Tec echnology Report STS C Technology Repor t

Executive Summary
Software Configuration Management (SCM) is a discipline to manage the evolution ofcomputer program products during all stages of development and sustainment. The benefits derived from SCM are directly proportional to the extent that SCM is implemented. An effective SCM program: (1) supports delivery of a product that meets the stated requirements, (2) tracks each requirement and deliverable from concept through implementation to customer delivery, and (3) ultimately movestoward delivery of the product on schedule and within budget. Measurements can be collected and combined into one or more metrics, which identify the performance of the processes. They are used to measure the progress of a project and the quality of its product. The importance of SCM becomes evident in light of the return on investment and cost savings potential. When SCM, measurements, andtheir associated metrics are used from the beginning of a program through its conclusion, the payoff can be enormous. With each new software project or process, there is some amount of risk associated with it. Managing and controlling the risk is essential to the success of the project in terms of cost, schedule, and quality. An SCM risk management plan should be developed which focuses onthree areas: business or product, human resources , and technology. SCM encompasses the every day tasks within an organization, whether they be software development or sustainment. The software changes are identified, controlled, and managed throughout project lifecycle. SCM is divided into the following functional areas: Identification, Change Control, Status Accounting, and Audit. An SCMplan describes what is to be done in each of these areas and “provides the focus for the process and procedures, and is the mechanism used to communicate the CM process to the other organizational groups on the project.” [Bounds 96] Automating SCM consists of all the steps involved in introducing an SCM tool into an organization and ensuring that it is routinely used on all projects.Implementing a series of six phases can successfully carry out SCM automation. They are preparation and planning, process definition, tool evaluation, pilot project implementation, rollout to other projects, and process improvement. The phases provide structured guidance, identify tasks, and address the complexities involved with automating SCM.

Software Configuration Management Technologiesand Applications

i

Table of Contents
Executive Summary ......................................................................................................... i Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ ii Abstract........................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................... iii

1.

Overview of Software Configuration Management ............................................ 1
1.1 1.2 1.3 The Role of SCM.................................................................................................. 1 State of SCM ......................................................................................................... 2 Current Trends in SCM ......................................................................................... 2

2.

Importance of Software Configuration Management ....................................... 4
2.1 2.2 2.3 SCM and Process Improvement...