Why Change Control?
Whenever any new or different changes are requested for the system, especially by stakeholders, it is neither optional nor ignorable. It has to be implemented without affecting other components of the system. This is when the change control comes handy. It helps project teams to modify the scope of the project using specified controls and policies. Change Control is practiced whenever a project is not progressing as planned. It is mandatory that a formal document for change request is completed and reviewed in order to keep control of change requests. Number of question one might encounter while analyzing Change Control like
Who will approve the change? Does it require to run through a change control board? How much time will be required to research and implement the change? What are the impacts of changes to other components of the system (schedules, cost, resources, etc.)? Is there any threshold under which the project management can approve it?
Different factors of Change Control process
There are various factors that a Change Control process should consider
Process of Change Control
Before we look into what is involved in Change Control process, we will get familiarize with what documents are used in Change Control. While carrying out Change Control, there are mainly two documents involved
Change Log: A change log is a document that list the details about all the Change Requests like project number, PCR (project change request) ID, priority, Owner details, Target date, status and status date, raised by, date when raised etc.
Change Request Form: It is used to document details required to support the decision making process like type of change, benefits of change, name of resource requesting the change, time and estimate cost, priority of change, authorized person detail, change request status etc.
Change Process Flow-Diagram
Change Process follows a specific pattern to implement the changes in the product or system. Here through flow-diagram we explained what are the steps involved in the Change Process.
Change Request Form: It is used to document details required to support the decision making process like type of change, benefits of change, name of resource requesting the change, time and estimate cost, priority of change, authorized person detail, change request status etc.
Steps for Change Control
NOTE: The approval for Change Control may be done by Project Manager, Lead IT or Lead Developer, Stakeholder.
