When can you add Affected CIs to a change request?

Adding Affected Configuration Items (CIs) to a change request is typically done in the planning phase of the Change Management process. In this context, when the change request is in the New state, it is the appropriate time to associate Affected CIs. This stage allows for comprehensive assessment and impact analysis, including identifying which CIs will be impacted by the proposed change.

This practice is crucial because it helps in evaluating risks, understanding dependencies, and planning resource allocation effectively before the change moves forward. It's a proactive step that ensures all necessary information is considered before proceeding to approval or implementation.

Once a change request is approved, while it's possible to reference Affected CIs, the foundational identification ideally occurs earlier in the process for thorough impact analysis. Additionally, waiting until the implementation phase to identify Affected CIs can lead to incomplete evaluations and possibly unforeseen issues during the actual roll-out of the change. Being proactive by addressing this in the initial stages mitigates risks and improves overall change management effectiveness.