Configuration management CFMG

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Planning, identifying, controlling, accounting for and auditing of configuration items (CIs) and their interrelationships.

SFIA 9 is in development

SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

Guidance notes

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Configuration items (CIs) can include a wide variety of components (objects) such as, but not limited to, source code, software, products, systems, hardware, networks, buildings, suppliers, process definitions and documents. A coherent set of CIs forms a configuration.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

identifying and documenting the functional and physical characteristics of CIs
identifying the relationships and maintain coherence between CIs for specific configurations
identifying the associated configuration(s), status, version and other characteristics of CIs at distinct points in time
controlling changes to CI characteristics, recording and reporting change processing and implementation status
systematically controlling changes to a configuration and maintaining the integrity, coherence, and traceability of that configuration throughout the project, system and/or service life cycle
adhering to established safety, security and quality standards
verifying and auditing CI records for data quality and compliance with specified internal and external requirements.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and reponsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Levels

Defined at these levels:

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Configuration management: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

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Applies tools, techniques and processes to administer, track, log, report on and correct configuration items, components and changes.

Assists with audits to check the accuracy of the information and undertakes any necessary corrective action under direction.

Configuration management: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

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Applies tools, techniques and processes to track, log and correct information related to configuration items.

Verifies and approves changes ensuring the protection of assets and components from unauthorised change, diversion and inappropriate use.

Ensures that users comply with identification standards for object types, environments, processes, life cycles, documentation, versions, formats, baselines, releases and templates.

Performs audits to check the accuracy of the information and undertakes any necessary corrective action under direction.

Configuration management: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and supervises others, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

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Proposes and agrees the configuration items (CIs) to be uniquely identified with naming conventions.

Puts in place operational processes for secure configuration, classification and management of CIs, and for verifying and auditing configuration records.

Develops, configures and maintains tools (including automation) to identify, track, log and maintain accurate, complete and current information.

Reports on the status of configuration management. Identifies problems and issues and recommend corrective actions.

Configuration management: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation.

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Plans the capture and management of CIs and related information.

Agrees scope of configuration management processes and the configuration items (CIs) and related information to be controlled.

Identifies, evaluates and manages the adoption of appropriate tools, techniques and processes (including automation) for configuration management.

Contributes to the development of configuration management strategies, policies, standards, and guidelines.

Configuration management: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

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Develops configuration management strategies, policies, standards, and guidelines.

Champions the importance and value of configuration management and develops new methods and organisational capabilities (including automation) for configuration management.

Provides resources to drive adoption of, and adherence to, policies and standards.

Measures and monitors adherence to standards and ensures consistent execution of the process across the organisation.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.