A Software Item is an Item specialized for software used in or associated with a product. It represents the managed software definition and its product context, so the team can identify which software information belongs with the engineering product.
When to use it
- Use it for software that forms part of a product definition, such as controller firmware.
- Use it when software needs its own identity and managed relationship to the relevant engineering items.
Key information
- Item identity and control: name, description, revision, and state.
- Software context: software type, platform, and target component.
- Supporting references: repository URL, license type, and coding standard where applicable.
Common relationships
- Embedded Software connects an engineering item to its Software Item.
- Item – Document associates specifications, instructions, or other managed supporting documents.
- Affected Item can identify software information involved in a change.
Working with this record
Keep the managed revision, description, and software references aligned. Review the relevant hardware and software definitions together when planning a change. A repository reference helps users locate supporting information; review the record’s actual version context before use.
Example
Pump Controller Software is a Software Item linked from Controller Board E-100 through Embedded Software. A functional specification is connected as a Document. The team can identify the software definition to assess when the controller behavior changes.
Choosing the right type
Choose Software Item for the product’s managed software definition. Choose File for uploaded digital content and Document for instructions or a specification. These records can support the same software without serving the same purpose.
