ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the concept of designating something a configuration item (CI) or configured item, what that implies in the form of information, and how that information is managed. A CI may be an individual item, or may be a significant part of a system or of a higher-level CI. The CI concept has confused some people into thinking that the level at which CIs are designated is the point where configuration management stops. In reality, the CI level is where configuration management really begins; the process encompasses, to some degree, every item of hardware and software down to the lowest bolt, nut, and screw, or lowest software unit. CIs should be designated at the highest level possible, and too few CIs rather than too many CIs in the final product are advised. Configuration identification incrementally establishes and maintains the definitive current basis for control and status accounting of a system and its CI throughout their life cycle.
