The optimists would say that both processes must be planned and implemented in parallel because both of these processes are control processes. This is the reason which makes them linked closely. The Configuration Management makes information available about the relationships of Configuration Items (CI) through the Configuration Management Database (CMDB). Therefore, the particular process of Change Management provides with an understanding of the impact of changes to the CI. RFC – Request for Change are records of changes are supposed to be kept in CMDB; it actually depends on the scope of the CMDB. This is how to keep a track of progress of changes. CMDB will only be updated in case if there is a corresponding approved RFC and completed Change. Some might say that Configuration Management process must be implemented first while some might even say it must be the first ITIL process to be implemented since this process underpins all other ITIL processes.
The reality is that a lot of companies have implemented some type of Change Management process, without a formal Configuration Management process. The organizations having both processes implemented, the maturity of their
ITIL Change Management process is generally quite better than the other. Having a good CMDB, Change Management becomes able to put more effective impact assessment as well as to implement changes in a more controlled manner, ensuing in a more stable environment.
On the other hand, excellent impact assessment can still be performed even without a CMDB. The information of the CI relationships, state of the CI, history and other relevant information for impact assessment are in the heads of the persons accountable for the state of the CI. The information might also be documented somewhere by the CI Owners ("CMDB" in its raw form). A fine impact assessment can still be done if the Change Manager is able to check with or bring the right persons.
Whatever the situation is, even with a functioning CMDB, the Change Manager should still consult and invite the CI Owners to help assess changes, especially complex changes as these CI Owners will be able to provide much more information, knowledge and wisdom than a mere CMDB. The recording of RFC plus change related information is an activity performed within the
ITIL service catalog. Storage of RFC and records of changes are achievable without a formal Configuration Management process if records are appropriately kept and maintained using a document management tool or filing system. In summary, it would be idyllic to be able to plan and implement both processes in parallel.
