What is Configuration Management? PACO is a pioneer and industry leader in the introduction and advancement of Configuration Management in the transportation industry. Configuration Management is an alternative project management approach developed by the Department of Defense in 1950 and used for managing change during the design and manufacturing of weapons and aircrafts. Configuration Management was later adopted by several other industries and has matured to an ISO 10007 Quality Management Process. Configuration Management is an essential project management tool, particularly on large scale and complex projects.  Industry studies have demonstrated that changes are and will continue to be an inevitable part of the design and construction of any project.  Project delays are impacted by design changes; unforeseen complexities and site conditions; dynamic environmental and community requirements; and financial and political difficulties. This is particularly true when the scope involves a large-scale, multi-contact, multi-phased complex project or program.

Change Is Inevitable: Manage It

Changes are and will continue to be an inevitable part of the design and construction of any project.  Even the best set of design plans and detailed contract specifications are no guarantee that a particular project will not experience numerous changes.  This is particularly true when the scope involves a large-scale, multi-contract, multi-phased complex project.  As a matter of fact, research shows that most projects, whether public or private, domestic or international, experience schedule slippage and cost overruns.

Our Configuration Management Solution

ccsNet is a web-based project management information system designed to assist public agencies and private entities manage their capital improvement programs. The system is designed and utilizes the principles of configuration management, ISO 10007 Quality Management Process, for controlling changes during the design and construction phases of large scale transportation and infrastructure projects and programs.

Our web-based solution employs configuration Management, a proven methodology for controlling scope creep claims, cost growth, and schedule delays on these large projects.  The efficacy of Configuration Management was proven in a case study with the Los Angeles MTA (LACMTA) and the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), National Lessons Learned Program.  Configuration Management in the construction industry is also an active area of research at Rutgers University, Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), in New Jersey.