Change Management: from Initial Configuration to Reliably Updating

Abstract

This paper focuses on change management within system and software engineering, particularly emphasizing the journey from initial design to reliable updates in operational environments. It outlines the importance of baselining design solutions through various review stages and meticulously details the processes of System Configuration Management (CM), including change control during design and software release. The text also explores the challenges posed by advanced technologies (like Industry 4.0/5.0) to traditional systems engineering, suggesting solutions such as modern technology-based tools (AI, MBSE), shared engineering workspaces, and understanding software's "context of use." Finally, it addresses Software Configuration Management (SCM) processes, the use of CM repositories, and strategies for patching with reduced downtime, concluding with the critical role of enhanced organizational learning in retaining knowledge of the design rationale for built interfaces, which must be maintained to support effective update processes.