Configuration Management for Transportation Management Systems
Handbook

Appendix A – Description/Summary of EIA 649

The purpose of this appendix is to provide a brief description and summary of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) Standard 649 National Consensus Standard for Configuration Management (ANSI/EIA-649/-1998) – EIA 649.

The document begins with a brief introduction to CM and a history of the Standard itself. It then proceeds to an explanation of its terminology, which includes both definitions and a list of synonymous terms that are used in other standards. EIA 649's purpose is to provide principles that are applicable to a broad range of industries. The document's scope states that the Standard seeks to explain the major CM functions throughout an item's life cycle. Some of these functions are:

• CM planning.
• Configuration identification.
• Configuration change management (change control).
• Configuration status accounting.
• Configuration verification.

CM Planning

The first step in planning an effective CM system is to identify the system's environment. The Standard emphasizes that different environments have different CM needs, and that its principles must be applied selectively. The Standard goes on to list the points that must be identified by an effective CM plan. Although the remaining sections in the Standard's CM planning chapter list elements necessary for CM planning, they do not detail how these elements, such as implementation procedures, training, and performance measurement, should be carried out because, once again, the Standard states that each environment will have different needs.

Configuration Identification

This chapter in the Standard covers how elements in the system, such as items, documents, and materials, should be described. The first section covers item information, which should include information on an item's performance, functionality, and physical attributes. Subsequent sections provide a detailed discussion on how the item's composition should be documented and why a systematic approach, for example, consistent numbering, is necessary. The Standard then states that document identification is necessary for an easily navigable system in which documents can be retrieved as needed.

The next section of the Standard provides a discussion on baselines, which includes a definition, how to establish baselines, and their purpose. The last two parts of the configuration identification section relate to specific applications of item documentation, emphasizing the need to maintain current documentation for all items, as well as items that are used from outside sources.

Configuration Change Management (Change Control)

This chapter covers subjects regarding how to identify when a change is necessary, how to evaluate it, and how to implement and verify this change. This section emphasizes that changes should be accomplished using a measurable process. The Standard stresses that each change should be separately identified and details how to ensure this principle is accomplished. Another facet of change control that is considered in the Standard is management of change evaluation. It recommends that all aspects of a change be considered before a change is approved. These aspects include the impact of the proposed change, its effectiveness, cost, and who has to give final approval. The last part of this chapter points out that an organization, when approving a change, must ensure the change is carried out correctly and that it is appropriately documented.

Configuration Status Accounting

The purpose of configuration status accounting is to provide an accurate database of information regarding an item and its associated documentation. Principles in this section detail the need to systematically record information that is validated and safeguarded. Also, a section describes what should be documented at each phase for an adequate configuration status accounting system.

Configuration Verification

The purpose of configuration verification is to make sure that the item's requirements have been met, and that is has been correctly documented at each baseline. The first parts of the section describe how to judge whether an item and its associated documentation are adequate. Also included is a principle that states periodic reviews of the configuration are necessary "to identify and monitor changes or degradation of performance, or to compare existing elements with new criteria or requirements."

Following the main section are the appendices, which include a list of all the principles in the Standard, as well as a discussion of how EIA 649 relates to other CM standards.