Configuration Management Roles

[JasonC]

I am trying to figure out how to assign the roles of the Configuration Manager and Configuration Librarian. We are a global IT organization with multiple groups (database, network, etc.) Has anyone assigned roles to this type of IT organization and can provide some guidance? I think 1 person for the CM Manager is to much?

[Mark-OLoughlin]

Hi

"I think 1 person for the CM Manager is to much?" - Can you assign a half a person? - just joking.

it depends on how much work this will generate. For a global organisation you may need a full time Config Manager but can also get away with Config librarians that are not dedicated to the role - e.g. local asset managers may suit this role as well as kepping asset management as their primary role.

How mature is Config Management? If not mature a full time person may be needed to get it up and running smoothly. Has it been audited recently - what is the scope of work to be done for Confog Management now and going forward etc.
_________________
Mark O'Loughlin
ITSM / ITIL Consultant

[JasonC]

My role started as the Configuration Manager. I am the only one ITIL Practitioner level certified in our global organization. But my role in the organization is to develop and publish the ITIL support and services processes and procedures (Incident, Problem, Config, Change, and Release). We are still in the development of the process for Config, we have no Change process yet (next). We also have to USE and LEARN the process first, so Config will have to run at a manual pace for at least months before tools (automation) is brought in. That's why I believe I am having trouble assigning these roles. There is no one dedicate person to utilize.

[Mark-OLoughlin]

Hi,

I see. What I try to do in this case is to list the processes that you are looking to put in place.

Identify the roles within the processes that are needed to get going to to keep going (Set up and operational roles).

Also identify a process owner and a manager for each processes. These can be the same person for all processes but it is best to try and get a few different owners from the beginning . One owner for all processes will be swamped.

To break this down further for you crosses over in to consultany - while I can help - further help comes with a charge. But the bove approach lets you identify , what you need and map it against who you have and identify who you need (resources) going forward. This helps management understand the need for resources = budget.

Bear in mind you may identify one role as config librarian but you may also need 5 people to fill the role (One for each region) - be sure to look at these specifics.
_________________
Mark O'Loughlin
ITSM / ITIL Consultant