Configuration management: how it applies to expert systems

Configuration management (CM) is a discipline involving implementing (manually or by computer) plans and procedures to keep track of items being developed, so that at any time it is possible to describe the system completely with respect to what it is supposed to do; what it currently does; what items make it up; how to use it; what problems are associated with it; and its history. The basic features of a good CM system are identification of all configuration items by name and by version number: establishment of relationships between items; establishment of baselines and change management; and report and audit of configuration items. The paper examines the application of such techniques in expert system developments