TS 13464

TS 13464 brings together the terminology used in configuration management and the fundamental principles behind that management approach. It clarifies configuration management (CM) as a disciplined way to control changes across the life cycle of a product, system, or service, so that different teams work from the same configuration information and maintain consistency over time.

Core concepts and the five CM functions

The scope of this standard combines CM terminology with the process model built around five CM functions. In general technical terms, configuration management is used to define what an item is, track changes to it, establish approval control, and keep its configuration verifiable throughout its life cycle. That shared structure is especially valuable in design, procurement, manufacturing, maintenance, and support environments, where using outdated information or mismatched parts can create avoidable problems.

Why the principles matter in practice

• Clear terminology creates a common language across stakeholders.
• The five CM functions support planned, traceable handling of change.
• Fundamental principles strengthen the consistency and control of configuration data.
• The document standardises the conceptual framework for CM processes; it is not a product-specific or sector-limited technical test standard.

The value of TS 13464 is that it treats configuration management as more than documentation: it frames it as the discipline that governs technical decisions, revisions, and system integrity. For complex engineering environments, that makes it a useful reference for traceability, change control, and release consistency.