Availability Guide for Change Management

Change Control
Availability Guide for Change Management–125506
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Phase 3—Implementation
Testing the Change Plan
All procedures should be tested before the change plan is implemented. Make sure that
time is allowed to modify the plan based on the test results. Test activities should
include:
•
Testing the plan on a “crash and burn” system (ideal), or walking through the plan
with the implementation staff (next best alternative).
•
Testing outage minute estimates. This will help to ensure that the system downtime
estimates conveyed to users are accurate.
•
Testing contingency and recovery plans.
Phase 3—Implementation
The change plan created during the change planning phase (phase 2) is implemented
during the implementation phase. When implementing the change plan, make sure to
consider the following guidelines:
•
Observe the “go/no go” criteria outlined in the change plan.
•
When using a team approach, ensure that all tasks are clearly assigned.
•
Ensure that each task is completed successfully.
Phase 4—Verification
The main goal of the verification phase is to ensure that the change was implemented
successfully. The verification phase includes the following tasks:
•
Verify that the system is operating correctly. For example:
•
Run diagnostics and tests as required.
•
Ensure that hardware and software are functioning properly.
•
Make sure that all required processes are running.
•
Check response times and performance levels.
•
Monitor system status.
•
Distribute configuration change documentation to all functional groups.
•
Ensure that change dependencies are integrated into affected areas.
•
Verify that each functional group has tested and verified its area of responsibility
(for example, all subsystem control files are updated and operational).
•
Ensure that all verified changes are reflected in your configuration documentation or
configuration documentation database.
If a problem occurs during verification, perform the following tasks:
•
Determine the extent of the problem and the time needed to correct it.
•
If “go/no go” criteria are compromised, initiate the recovery plan created during the
change planning phase (phase 2).
•
Collect problem information.