TS 13464

TS 13464 is a standard focused on configuration management terminology and on a process model built around five core configuration management functions. In general technical terms, configuration management is used to keep a product, system, or service in a defined state throughout its life cycle, supporting consistency across design, production, change, and operational use.

Core terms used in configuration management

The terminology addressed by this standard helps define concepts such as identifying a configuration item, tracking its status, controlling changes, and verifying the integrity of the approved configuration. In common engineering practice, configuration management provides a shared language for questions such as which version is in use, who approved a change, why it was introduced, and how the approved baseline is maintained.

How the five functions fit together

The five functions described by the standard present configuration management as an integrated management process rather than a single task. In general, this includes configuration identification, change control, status accounting, verification through audits or reviews, and the preservation of configuration integrity. That structure is especially valuable in complex products where multiple teams must work from the same technical baseline.

Why it matters in practice

Configuration management is especially important in defence, electronics, manufacturing, and other large engineering programs where technical decisions must remain traceable across the product life cycle. This standard does not define a product specification; instead, it supports a common understanding of configuration management language and process principles. As a result, organizations can work with the same concepts for version control, change control, and baseline integrity.