Functional Configuration Audit vs. Physical Configuration Audit

Attribute	Functional Configuration Audit	Physical Configuration Audit
Definition	Review of the functional requirements and design of a system	Review of the physical components and configurations of a system
Focus	Functionality and performance	Hardware and software configurations
Objective	Ensure that the system meets functional requirements	Ensure that the physical components are correctly configured
Tools	Functional testing tools, code review tools	Configuration management tools, physical inspection tools

Introduction

Configuration audits are an essential part of the software development process, ensuring that the software meets the specified requirements and functions correctly. Two types of configuration audits are commonly used in the industry: Functional Configuration Audit (FCA) and Physical Configuration Audit (PCA). While both audits serve the same purpose of verifying the configuration of the software, they differ in their approach and focus. In this article, we will compare the attributes of FCA and PCA to understand their differences and similarities.

Definition

Functional Configuration Audit (FCA) is a process that verifies whether the software meets the specified functional requirements. It focuses on the functionality of the software and ensures that it performs as intended. On the other hand, Physical Configuration Audit (PCA) is a process that verifies whether the software has been built according to the specified design and configuration. It focuses on the physical aspects of the software, such as the code, documentation, and configuration files.

Scope

The scope of Functional Configuration Audit (FCA) is limited to the functional aspects of the software. It verifies that the software meets the specified functional requirements and performs as intended. FCA typically involves testing the software against the functional requirements and identifying any discrepancies. On the other hand, the scope of Physical Configuration Audit (PCA) is broader and includes not only the functional aspects but also the physical aspects of the software. PCA verifies that the software has been built according to the specified design and configuration, including the code, documentation, and configuration files.

Process

The process of Functional Configuration Audit (FCA) involves testing the software against the functional requirements to ensure that it performs as intended. FCA typically includes test cases, test scripts, and test data to verify the functionality of the software. Any discrepancies found during the audit are documented and addressed by the development team. On the other hand, the process of Physical Configuration Audit (PCA) involves reviewing the physical aspects of the software, such as the code, documentation, and configuration files. PCA ensures that the software has been built according to the specified design and configuration.

Tools

Functional Configuration Audit (FCA) is typically performed using automated testing tools that can execute test cases, test scripts, and test data to verify the functionality of the software. These tools help streamline the audit process and ensure that all functional requirements are met. On the other hand, Physical Configuration Audit (PCA) is typically performed using code review tools, documentation review tools, and configuration management tools. These tools help review the physical aspects of the software and ensure that it has been built according to the specified design and configuration.

Benefits

Functional Configuration Audit (FCA) helps ensure that the software meets the specified functional requirements and performs as intended. By verifying the functionality of the software, FCA helps identify any discrepancies early in the development process, reducing the risk of defects in the final product. On the other hand, Physical Configuration Audit (PCA) helps ensure that the software has been built according to the specified design and configuration. By reviewing the physical aspects of the software, PCA helps identify any deviations from the design and configuration early in the development process, reducing the risk of non-compliance.