Configuration Items

Configuration items form the basis of configuration management. A configuration item, or CI, is a unit of configuration that can be individually managed and versioned. In other words, "configuration item" is often used to refer to an item, which is then said to be produced in several versions. This is not strictly correct, but it's acceptable as long as the reference is clearly understood by all involved. In fact, each new version of a configuration item is a new configuration item in its own right.

Typically, a configuration management system will control files, requirements, or another definable unit. These units are managed with a combination of process and tools to avoid the introduction of errors and to maintain high quality results. The units themselves can be considered configuration items, or they may be combined into an overall collection that is managed under the same set of processes and tools.