Implementing a software control program - Looking for Help

[al40]

Hey gang,
I have been asked to implement a software control program what does this consist of? We only design firmware we currently manage it under our configuration management system I'm sure this isn't the only requirement for a good software control program, any help is welcomed.

[qualitygoddess]

Originally Posted by Allen M.

Hey gang,
I have been asked to implement a software control program what does this consist of? We only design firmware we currently manage it under our configuration management system I'm sure this isn't the only requirement for a good software control program, any help is welcomed.

You may want to check out ISO 9000-3, 1997. It's for software. I found some helpful information about it from Praxiom. Try a google search.

--QG

[RosieA]

Allen I had to do something similar in a medical devices company I worked for. We used a matrix to define the software in use and how we controlled it. On the first page of the matrix we defined all the software we used. Ours were: Custom, Off the shelf but customized, firmware, templates, and Off the Shelf packages.

For each type we defined what we were using, for example:
Custom: Application specific test software
Off the shelf but customized: Our enterprise management system
firmware: EPROM, PAL, and microprocessor applications
templates: CNC programs, label makers, FPGAs
Off the Shelf: Access, Excel, etc.

Then in the second page of the matrix, we defined what documentation was needed for each. We broke each type of software into high or low risk factors to our end product and the defined what documentation was needed for each, For example: A unique design file with risk analysis, a protocol, configuration control, desk validation or system validation.

This was the easiest way we could find to define what we were using and how it would need to be controlled.

Hope that helps. There are certainly more complex systems in use, but I sense that your system is pretty simple.

[Wes Bucey]

The software folks have adopted the term "configuration management" as a sort of mantra. Take a look here for stuff about controlling software:

http://www.cmcrossroads.com/

[al40]

Originally Posted by Wes Bucey

The software folks have adopted the term "configuration management" as a sort of mantra. Take a look here for stuff about controlling software:

http://www.cmcrossroads.com/

Wes,
Thanks.

[al40]

Originally Posted by RosieA

Allen I had to do something similar in a medical devices company I worked for. We used a matrix to define the software in use and how we controlled it. On the first page of the matrix we defined all the software we used. Ours were: Custom, Off the shelf but customized, firmware, templates, and Off the Shelf packages.

For each type we defined what we were using, for example:
Custom: Application specific test software
Off the shelf but customized: Our enterprise management system
firmware: EPROM, PAL, and microprocessor applications
templates: CNC programs, label makers, FPGAs
Off the Shelf: Access, Excel, etc.

Then in the second page of the matrix, we defined what documentation was needed for each. We broke each type of software into high or low risk factors to our end product and the defined what documentation was needed for each, For example: A unique design file with risk analysis, a protocol, configuration control, desk validation or system validation.

This was the easiest way we could find to define what we were using and how it would need to be controlled.

Hope that helps. There are certainly more complex systems in use, but I sense that your system is pretty simple.

By chance is there a way you could provide the matrix is there?

I think this would most likely be the best way for us.

[RosieA]

Here ya go, Allen.

[al40]

Originally Posted by RosieA

Here ya go, Allen.

Thanks, I'll give it a review.