A Configuration Item Record (CIR) is a fundamental element within the Change Theme of PRINCE2, serving as a detailed documentation of a configuration item. Configuration items are any components that require formal control throughout a project, such as deliverables, products, equipment, or services…A Configuration Item Record (CIR) is a fundamental element within the Change Theme of PRINCE2, serving as a detailed documentation of a configuration item. Configuration items are any components that require formal control throughout a project, such as deliverables, products, equipment, or services. Each CIR contains comprehensive information about a specific item, including its description, type, purpose, version, source, owner, and relationships with other configuration items. This record maintains a history of the item's changes, current status, and location, enabling project teams to track the evolution of project components effectively. CIRs are particularly important for maintaining product integrity and traceability, as they provide a systematic approach to managing changes and ensuring that all modifications are properly authorized and documented. The Project Manager typically maintains these records, which form part of the larger Configuration Management System. Through proper maintenance of Configuration Item Records, organizations can reduce risks associated with unauthorized changes, ensure compliance with requirements, and provide accurate information for decision-making processes when changes are requested. CIRs also facilitate quality control by maintaining precise documentation of product specifications and modifications, enabling verification that products meet defined standards. In complex projects with numerous interdependent components, these records become invaluable for understanding the impact of changes on related items and for maintaining the overall system integrity.
Configuration Item Record in PRINCE2 Foundation: A Comprehensive Guide
What is a Configuration Item Record?
A Configuration Item Record (CIR) is a document that contains all the details about a specific configuration item in a project. In PRINCE2, configuration items are any components that need to be managed to deliver the project's products. These can include documents, software, equipment, or any other items that require version control.
Why Configuration Item Records are Important
Configuration Item Records play a crucial role in PRINCE2 projects for several reasons:
1. Traceability: They provide a history of changes made to project components. 2. Accountability: They record who made changes and when. 3. Version Control: They help manage different versions of project assets. 4. Risk Mitigation: They reduce the risk of using outdated or incorrect information. 5. Quality Assurance: They contribute to maintaining the quality standards of the project.
Components of a Configuration Item Record
A Configuration Item Record typically includes:
- Identifier: A unique reference for the configuration item - Description: What the item is and its purpose - Version: Current version number - Owner: Person responsible for the item - Status: Current state (e.g., draft, approved, under development) - Relationships: Links to other configuration items - Change History: Record of modifications made - Location: Where the item can be found
How Configuration Item Records Work in PRINCE2
In the PRINCE2 framework, Configuration Item Records operate within the Change theme. The project manager, supported by project support, maintains these records as part of configuration management procedures. When a change is proposed, the CIR helps determine the impact of that change on related items.
The process typically follows these steps:
1. Planning: Identifying which items need configuration control 2. Identification: Assigning unique identifiers to each item 3. Control: Managing changes to items through formal procedures 4. Status Accounting: Recording and reporting on the current state of items 5. Verification: Ensuring items meet their requirements
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Configuration Item Record
When answering PRINCE2 Foundation exam questions about Configuration Item Records:
1. Remember the purpose: CIRs are about tracking and controlling changes to project components.
2. Know the relationship to other themes: CIRs are part of the Change theme but also relate to Quality (ensuring standards are maintained) and Plans (tracking changes to planned items).
3. Understand the difference between Configuration Item Records and other change documents like Issue Reports or Exception Reports.
4. Focus on control: Questions often test your understanding of how CIRs help maintain control over project assets.
5. Consider the context: In scenario-based questions, look for clues about which configuration items would need to be tracked.
6. Key terms alert: Pay attention when you see terms like "baseline," "version control," or "configuration management" as these often relate to CIRs.
7. Link to roles: Know that Project Support typically manages CIRs, but the Project Manager has overall responsibility.
8. Identify the benefits: Be prepared to select answers that correctly identify why CIRs are valuable (traceability, accountability, etc.).
By understanding the purpose, components, and context of Configuration Item Records, you'll be well-prepared to answer questions about this important aspect of PRINCE2's Change theme in your Foundation exam.