The change control process is a systematic approach to managing changes in a project, product, or system. At a minimum, the change control process should include the following phases:
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Change Request: This phase involves the identification and documentation of the proposed change. A change request form is often used to capture details such as the nature of the change, reasons for the change, and its potential impact.
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Impact Assessment: In this phase, the proposed change is evaluated to understand its implications, including cost, time, scope, quality, and any risks associated with implementing the change.
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Decision: Based on the impact assessment, a decision is made whether to approve, reject, or defer the change request. This may involve a change control board or similar governance structure.
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Implementation: If the change is approved, the necessary steps for implementing the change are executed. This may include updating documentation, training staff, or modifying processes or systems.
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Review and Validation: After implementation, the change is reviewed to ensure that it has been executed correctly and is functioning as intended. This may involve testing or validation activities.
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Documentation: Finally, all change requests, assessments, decisions, and implementations need to be thoroughly documented for record-keeping and future reference.
Each organization may tailor these phases to fit their specific needs, but these core phases are essential for effective change control.