What is the first step in the Configuration Management process?

The first step in the Configuration Management process is identifying the change. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for all subsequent activities related to managing configuration items within an organization. Identifying a change involves determining what needs to be modified and understanding the reasons behind the change request. This includes assessing the potential impact on the system and the current configuration.

By starting with the identification of changes, organizations can ensure that they properly evaluate the implications of these changes before proceeding. This proactive approach helps in minimizing disruptions to services, maintaining system integrity, and ensuring that any changes align with organizational goals and policies. Without accurately identifying the change, subsequent steps, such as evaluating the change request or implementing decisions, may not be effectively executed, which could lead to errors or mismanagement in the configuration process.