AII is based on the principle of successive expansion of capabilities. Planning a system requires the capability to control a system. To control a system, one must secure the capability of operation, be able to operate it. This is the basis of the “Operate è Control è Plan” principle.

If there is a connection between the information systems CIM and SIM (change impact management and service impact management), the planning data can be compared with the real-time system so that audits, a so-called reconciliation, etc., can be realized. The essential point here is the encapsulation of the planning system within a governing body which authorizes changes and assesses and defines strategies. Based on the data processing, this Change Advisory Board (CAB) can offer to the CIO, who is often a member of the CAB, a reliable means of change impact management which highlights risks and added value quickly and in terms of various aspects. The provision of these data make the cumbersome queries in the IT and business departments regarding the condition of the current application systems and their infrastructure superfluous; the information can be precisely evaluated to the day.

The data collection for the successive implementation of AII can be built up on the basis of the model described below from support systems which already exist or are to be implemented. The order is not rigid – systems may already exist, and a connection to data processing systems can be initiated at an early point in time.

Provision of data to the Change Advisory Board

The subject of change impact management (CIM) is the definition and execution of a process for the structured recording of inventory and assets. This process must be based on a defined data structure which is flexible enough to manage various classes of assets. In addition, an inventory system which allows various views of a configuration – technical links, logical links, product and vendor interdependencies – must be implemented and operated. A basic system which can realize the future expansion stages and required capabilities should be created for the final goal (CIM-DB). Besides the support systems, the structure and working methods of the Change Advisory Board should also be regulated. This Board must be integrated into the definition process for the critical support factors at an early stage. Trials of the future development can be carried out here on the basis of existing measurement methods.