Configuration Management Glossary

A non-specific term used to denote any product, assembly, or component, including hardware (e.g., rim or spokes), software (e.g., control software), processed materials (e.g., glue), or service (e.g., training) that satisfies a function.
_{Source: The Essential Guide to Part Re-Identification}

A part that groups other parts where the phantom part will never physically exist and/or does not have any traceability requirements toward the final product.
_{Source: The Essential Guide to Part Re-Identification}

The physical examination is the actual configuration of the item being produced. It verifies that the related design documentation matches the item as specified in the contract. The system product baseline is finalized and validated at the Physical Configuration Audit.
_{Source: MIL-HDBK-61B}

Abbreviation: PCA

A Configuration Item’s detail design documentation including those verifications necessary for accepting product deliveries (first article and acceptance inspections.) Based on program production/procurement strategies, the design information contained in the Physical Configuration Documentation can be as simple as identifying a specific part number or as complex as full design disclosure.
_{Source: MIL-HDBK-61B}

Abbreviation: PCD

A bill of materials where child parts are linked by part revision.
_{Source: mdux.net}

A sellable part that represents a commercial offering.
_{Source: The Essential Guide to Part Re-Identification}

1. The approved detailed design requirements for a product or system established at a specific point in time and documented in the product configuration documentation.
_{Source: MIL-STD-3046(ARMY)}

2. Documentation describing all of the necessary functional and physical characteristics of the Configuration Item, the selected functional and physical characteristics designated for production acceptance testing, and tests necessary for deployment/installation, operation, support, training, and disposal of the Configuration Item. The initial Product Baseline is usually established and put under configuration control at each Configuration Item’s critical design review, culminating in an initial Product Baseline at the system-level Critical Design Review. The system Product Baseline is finalized and validated at the Physical Configuration Audit.
_{Source: MIL-HDBK-61B}

Abbreviation: PBL

One or more datasets that define the functional and non-functional requirements for a product. It is a detailed description of the product's features, performance, and characteristics, including its intended use, design constraints, and any relevant standards or regulations that apply.
_{Source: The Essential Guide to Part Re-Identification}

Quantitative and qualitative expressions of material features, such as composition, dimensions, finishes, form, fit, and their respective tolerances.
_{Source: MIL-HDBK-61B}