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Configuration Management is the process
of managing CHANGE - Dave Lyon

Understand the Configuration Management discipline
Learn Basic and Advanced Configuration Management processes
Establish 'Best Configuration Management Practices' in your
organization
Generate Configuration Management Plans for your product
line(s) and for your organization
Select the right Configuration Management Tool or PDM/PLM
system to automate your 'Best CM Practices'
Establish Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Product
Data Management (PDM) solutions in your business
Establish Configuration Management processes that comply with
CMM and CMMi guidelines and initiatives
Understand and implement the new government and industry
Integrated Data Environment (IDE)
Establish & maintain control of your engineering hardware
& software development activities
Improve Communications - internal organizations,
subcontractors, vendors, customers
Gain insight into the current activities of the international
CM community
Understand how to employ the latest risk mitigation techniques
Enhance process control and productivity
Decrease operating costs

 | The Raven Publishing Company is pleased to offer the third and
most comprehensive book of the Configuration Management Trilogy:
|
'Practical CM III: Best Configuration Management
Practices for the 21st Century'
by
David D. Lyon
The most widely
recognized and trusted name in Configuration Management

Second Edition (March 2008)
ISBN:
978-0-9661248-8-0 (paperback) - 7" X 10", 305 pages, 1.5 lbs
ISBN: 978-0-9817445-0-6
(hard cover) - 7" X 10", 305 pages, 1.6 lbs
ISBN:
978-0-9661248-9-7 (spiral bound) - 9" x 11", 280 pages,
2 lbs
All books include CD-ROM
(templates)
Also available in soft copy
(CD) from the Raven Publishing Company

Prices: $80.00 (hard cover);
$75.00 (paperback); $65.00 (spiral bound); $50.00 (soft copy on CD)
Sale Prices: $64.00 (hard
cover); $52.00 (spiral bound); $40.00 (soft copy/CD)
Special
Promotional Sale: $45.00 for the newly released paperback version (40% off)

Practical
CM III is currently being used as the designated text for college level courses on
Configuration Management in the US and Europe.

Practical
CM III covers both Hardware CM and Software CM

Author's note: I believe that you will find PCM III to be a
valuable guide for basic and advanced Configuration Management instruction. It includes
the best of 'Practical CM' and 'Transparent CM' plus several new topics and tips that will
help you do your job better and establish 'best Configuration Management practices' in
your organization - Dave Lyon
|
PDM-centric
approach
Mike Tarrani -
Amazon.com Reviews
This is Lyon's
third book on Configuration Management and an extension of his Practical CM (ISBN
0966124820). The key difference between the two books is this one is more focused on
engineering development and reflects more of the author's ideas. The first book was more
influenced by MIL-STD-973 and the related EIA standard 649. This one does not conflict
with those standards, but does take a more real world approach, with a distinct focus on
product management. In fact, there is more similarity between this book and Lyon's
"Transparent Configuration Management (ISBN 0966124804), especially in the detailed
documentation of best practices versus current industry practices and the in-depth
treatment given to each stage of Configuration Management.
It is in the
detailed descriptions of the phases, and how they relate to product development, that
makes this book an especially valuable resource to anyone working in the PDM/PLC
environment. Each phase - identification, control, status accounting and auditing - are
covered widely and deeply, with best practices associated with each clearly identified and
explained. Different scenarios add depth to this aspect of the book.
Two areas covered,
transition to production and support, are unique to most Configuration Management books
that either gloss them over, or focus on, for example field changes and product
configuration, but do not devote as much coverage to these areas as they merit in the real
world. The coverage of software and firmware was a bit light in my opinion, especially
since most products have one or both as integral parts, but there are a wealth of other books that
cover those topics. It is interesting to note that this book's processes do align to SEI's
CMMI process areas for configuration management.
Some of this
material is carried over from the other two books, and there is definite overlap between
the Transparent CM coverage here and his book devoted to that subject. It does serve as a
nice binding and segue between this book and the one on Transparent CM.
Like Lyon's other
books, this one is a definitive text on Configuration Management and an important addition
to the body of knowledge.
|
If you invest in only one
book on the subject of Configuration Management this year, this is your best value.
See what other readers
have to say about PCM III

Click on DETAILS
for additional information about PCM III
Read CHAPTER ONE
from PCM III to see what this book is all about.
PCM III's TABLE OF CONTENTS
is also provided so that you can take a look at the specific topics covered.
Click on ORDER
to buy this book.

 | Introducing an entirely new
dimension in state of the art technology and methodology for the Configuration Management
discipline - an exciting new book for the Configuration Management Professional:
|
The second book of the
Configuration Management trilogy:
'Transparent CM: How to
Get There'
PDM/PLM
Solutions for the 21st Century
by David D. Lyon
Second Edition - ISBNs:
0-9661248-0-4 and 978-0-9661248-0-4
Published January, 2003
Updated for 2005
The much anticipated sequel to 'Practical CM' - the
Configuration Management community's favorite guide to 'Best CM Practices for the 21st
Century'
TRANSPARENT CM
Craig Senior -
'Insight' Reviews
Implementing a Product
Data Management (PDM) system is a foray into complexity for which most organisations and
people are unprepared. Throwing the latest feature-rich technical fad at old business
problems with glassy-eyed, optimistic zeal, later blaming any failure on
circumstances beyond our control, and moving laterally into the next project
assignment is slowly losing its appeal. Even information technology practitioners are
catching on to the woes of their ways, but youd be hard pressed to get one to admit
it.
Transparent Configuration
Management delivers
some great lessons, of which these are but a few:
1) There is a DNA-like,
intertwined relationship between quality and Configuration
Management.
2) The shortest route to
implement a complex system is to do it right the first time. The only short cut is to take
no short cuts.
3) Automating Configuration
Management and making
it more transparent is becoming a competitive advantage like 'supply chain management' and
'just in time'.
4) Aim to make the process
steps transparent and efficient for users; they do the right things right using the
fastest, easiest method and might not know it.
Transparent Configuration
Management is the
essential guide to implementing a PDM system. It presents a practical process, a
methodology for implementation, supplemented by checklists and templates. It sets the
readers foundation with the common, traditional definitions of configuration
management (CM). It takes us on a brief, often entertaining stroll through the history of Configuration
Management. Then it
asks you to ask yourself what you really need to do with this thing. What are your
requirements for a PDM system? What information must you capture, manage, and use? Who
authorizes product changes and how are those changes documented, communicated, and
controlled? Much of this data is required regardless of whether you use a PDM system or
what PDM system you choose.
After that you are guided
through PDM-specific functions to analyze the degree to which the PDM system satisfies
your requirements, off-the shelf. It guides you through PDM system evaluation, using
extensive checklists that you can readily apply. Finally, it brings you through
implementation and integration with other subsystems. Obviously, the book could not
consider all the technical issues of every reader, but the principals are firmly in place.
Very useful was the PDM Project Schedule that you could transcribe as the basis for your
schedule.
Transparent Configuration
Management presents
guidance for overcoming resistance to PDM and Configuration
Management in general.
It presents Configuration
Management best
practices geared towards Dept of Defence contracting, but you can easily read through this
and apply the material to any organization.
Transparent Configuration
Management is the
essential guide for anyone considering a PDM implementation, any Configuration
Management
practitioner, quality practitioner, or anyone involved in managing design and manufacture.
David Lyon clearly demonstrates that hes been there and hes packed a lifetime
of experience into this very important book.
|
TRANSPARENT
CM
Mike Tarrani - Amazon.com
Reviews
Mr. Lyon's earlier book,
"Practical CM" (ISBN 0966124820) is the foundation of this work, which extends
the approach - in the author's own words - to '[Presenting] unique methodology for a
successful evolution from today's CM practices to best CM practices, then on to the
implementation of a truly automated CM system in order to reach the ultimate goal of
transparent CM.'
This book accomplishes that goal
in every respect. After a chapter giving an overview of CM, the seeds of this approach are
planted in the chapter titled, "Transition From Current CM Practices to Best CM
Practices".
A clear approach, based on the
product data management approach within the CM discipline, is given. Included
are a distilled list of best practices, and flow charts of the associated process.
Chapters 3 and 4 cover a proposed PDM system in great depth. The requirements
are outlined in sufficient detail to both gain a full understanding of the scope of the
system, as well as to layout a fairly high-level system diagram if you were to build such
a system in-house. Since building a system is probably not cost-effective for most
organizations, Chapter 5 extends the requirements by giving advice on how to evaluate
tools and vendors, and to select the best solution within constraints.
Chapters 6 and 7 describe the
evolution from automated CM to transparent CM, which is the focus of the book. These are
followed up with a final chapter that ties up loose ends by addressing the people
dimension. Appendices A (List of Best Practices) and B CM Plan outline are invaluable, as
are the documents on the accompanying CD ROM.
This is an
outstanding book for advanced CM practitioners, especially those who have read and liked
the author's earlier book, and/or those who are seeking to improve an existing, stable CM
process.
|
Read the INTRODUCTION
to see what this book is all about.
PCM III's TABLE OF CONTENTS
is also provided so that you can take a look at the specific topics covered.
Click on ORDER
to buy this book.
 | 
|
|
NOTE: Mr. Lyon spent much of his thirty-nine years in
industry as a Project Engineer and Program Manager (see Lyon Bio). During his early years, he
observed how integral Configuration Management was to the successful operation of any
project or program. As a result, he became more interested in and involved with the
Configuration Management discipline. He proceeded to develop and enhance existing
Configuration Management processes, both manual and automated (PDM/PLM systems), and
developed a universal, generic 'best CM practices' methodology in conjunction with other
members of the international CM community.
Upon
leaving industry, Mr. Lyon wrote the Configuration Management related books described
above and now teaches seminars on Configuration Management around the world. However, he
felt that it was appropriate to write a book on Project Engineering and Program Management
in order to put all three professional areas into proper perspective. |

The Program and Project
Management 'best practices' guide - an all time best seller

'Practical Project'
'Guidelines for Project Engineers and Program
Management Personnel'
by
David D. Lyon
ISBNs: 0-9661248-5-5 and
978-0-9661248-5-9
Second Edition: 1999
includes:
Processes, Tools and Approach
Best Practices for the 21st Century
Guidelines and 'How-To' Information
Personnel Management Techniques
Numerous Figures and Templates
Lessons Learned

'Practical Project' provides the Processes, Tools and Approaches
necessary to successfully plan, coordinate and control Projects and Programs as businesses
enter the 21st Century. Included in its pages are descriptions of and recommended
applications for the new Program Management software tools which are part of the overall
resource 'kit' that today's Project Engineer has at his or her disposal. 'Lessons Learned'
and 'Best Practices' are detailed in the text and then summarized for easy review.
Numerous Figures and Templates assure that the reader will 'cover all the bases' as he or
she moves their project towards a successful conclusion.
Processes
and Approaches for planning, coordinating and controlling the entire product life cycle
are thoroughly discussed. Sections are also included on overcoming obstacles and dealing
with people.
This is an
invaluable guide for both the novice and experienced Project Engineer or Program Manager.
REAL-WORLD PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
Michael Appleton - 'Insight'
Reviews
This
book provides an overall, 'real' description of project management from the 'coal-face'.
Its target audience, the Project Engineer, certainly needs an easy-to-read, ready
reference in this complex and critical area. Quite often, the engineer faces this
management task on his or her own and without the benefit of education, training or
experience. On occasion, the engineer reports to a Project or Program Manager whose time
is usually consumed with the 'programmatics'; so the Project Engineer must have a sound
foundation in these matters.
The
book describes how the Project Engineer may deal with all matters arising from the
project's lifecycle: from before contract award to project closeout. This challenging task
is met in overview and comes with a series of worthwhile templates to be used during
various stages in the project lifecycle.
What
is described is good material. I particularly liked the description of best practices in
the appropriate sections. These lessons are good ones that project engineers and
project managers alike ought to heed. The figures used are helpful to the message that the
author wishes to get across.
The
work that has been done in putting this book together is good; but it does not describe
the complete story of project management -- few single publications are able to do this
effectively. As such, it should be read in conjunction with other references in this area.
There are some very worthwhile ideas contained in the best practices sections as well as
some useful points contained in the body of the text. Many of these lessons are classic
ones; yet are all too often needlessly re-learned. A new Project Engineer would do well by
learning these lessons from 'Practical Project' rather than through
experience.
|
Read the INTRODUCTION to 'Practical
Project' to see what this book is all about.
'Practical Project's'
TABLE OF CONTENTS is also provided so that you can take a look at the specific
topics covered.
Click on ORDER
to buy this book.
All orders
shipped within 24 hours via USPS Priority Air Mail

Basic and Advanced
Configuration Management Education & Training seminars (plus Configuration Management
refresher courses) for both your Configuration Management personnel and your Management
staff
For presentation ON-SITE
AT YOUR FACILITY by Dave Lyon anywhere in the U.S. and Canada plus some countries
in Europe
These CM seminars are
tailored to your specific business activities
Save over 50% compared to
'public' CM seminars
Among Mr. Lyon's clients:
Pentagon, Military bases (US/Europe), Business and Industry (US/Canada/Europe), Colleges
(US/Europe), Government agencies (US)
Contact the Raven Publishing Company via
email, telephone or fax for detailed seminar abstracts, availability and pricing

The Raven Publishing Company and Dave Lyon are pleased to become a
FlexCM Alliance Partner with a new online PLM/PDM/CM/DM/ERP/CRM/SCM resource:
Product
Lifecycle Management Information Center (PLMIC)
We
highly recommend that you visit this exiting new site in order to:
 | Learn and understand more about the
benefits of PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) & PDM (Product Data Management)
technologies |
 | Stay current on the latest products,
services, and trends in the industry |
 | Gain access to information, tools, and
utilities that aid in the evaluation, selection, and implementation of PLM & PDM
products and services |
Raven Publishing Company
163 Balance Rock Road,
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Tel: 413-443-6533
Fax: 413-443-1078
email: raven@configuration.org
|