Change Control

  • Change Control is a formal process used to ensure that changes to a product or system are introduced in a controlled and coordinated manner. More specifically, it’s a process whereby changes are requested, reviewed, approved, implemented, and evaluated.

    Change Control is important for DoTS and DPS as a whole because it helps ensure that changes are planned carefully, implemented well, and communicated to those that are impacted. When changes are implemented well, we can continue to provide stable and effective services to team DPS.

    If you are new to Change Control within the Department of Technology Services, take a look at this overview presentation to dip your toes into the Change Control waters.

    What’s Considered a Change?

    Change Control is the process. A change request is the documentation used to request the actual change. A change is defined as the addition, modification, or removal of anything that could have an effect on DoTS production services.

    Since not all changes are created equal, the process differentiates between minor, standard, significant, or major changes. Changes are categorized based on the risk & impact that the change would have on DoTS production services. This assessment is an important step as it determines the level of review that will be applied to the change.

    To determine which bucket each change falls into, multiple metrics are considered. The intent of these metrics is to guide the categorization, and are not meant as strict boundaries. Not all metrics need to be considered for any given change, rather only the areas most impacted by the change may be relevant for determining the classification.

    Below are thechange classifications for major tools & systems used by DoTS. View the detailed change types document for more informaiton on the types as well as practical examples.
Types of changes including Major, ERP, Significant, Standard, Minor, and Emergency