Formal Change Control
Formal Change Control is a structured process used in software development and IT projects to manage and document changes to requirements, designs, code, or configurations. It involves submitting change requests, evaluating their impact, obtaining approvals, implementing changes systematically, and verifying outcomes to ensure stability and traceability. This methodology is critical in regulated industries and large-scale projects to prevent unauthorized modifications and maintain system integrity.
Developers should use Formal Change Control in environments where changes can have significant consequences, such as in safety-critical systems (e.g., aerospace, healthcare), financial applications, or large enterprise projects with multiple stakeholders. It helps mitigate risks by ensuring that all modifications are reviewed for technical feasibility, cost, and alignment with project goals, reducing errors and downtime. This process is essential for compliance with standards like ISO 9001, ITIL, or regulatory frameworks in industries such as pharmaceuticals or defense.