# Change Control Process: From Request to Implementation A structured change control process helps teams evaluate, approve and trace product changes while keeping development aligned throughout the product lifecycle. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 RT)Definition of Change Control Process A **change control process** is a structured approach for proposing, evaluating, approving, implementing and documenting changes to a product or its associated data. It helps teams understand what is changing, why the change is needed, who needs to review it and what other parts of the product or development process could be affected. For organizations, connecting change control activities across the product lifecycle strengthens product traceability as designs, configurations and requirements evolve. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB)Four Steps in the Change Control Process ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB AT1)Change request Define what needs to change, why it is needed and what the intended outcome would be. Teams can link the **change request** to products and data so reviewers can assess the same context rather than reconstructing decisions from email threads. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB AT2)Impact analysis Assess how a change could affect product data, processes and downstream activities. Within **change control,** teams can identify dependencies across configurations, manufacturing, cost, timelines and resources to build a clearer plan before proceeding. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB AT3)Approval workflow Review the proposed change with the appropriate stakeholders before implementation. A structured **approval workflow** clarifies change control, records decisions and helps organizations standardize approval processes according to scope, risk and impact. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB AT4)Change order Authorize and coordinate the change through an engineering change order. Teams can assign the required actions, update product data and record when the change is released to maintain **product traceability** from approval through implementation. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 RT2)Why a Traceable Change Control Process Matters Engineering changes can affect configurations, simulations, manufacturing readiness, cost and delivery. A structured change control process provides teams with a controlled way to assess these dependencies before revised product information moves downstream. Traceability gives teams a coordinated plan for product updates, helping to protect approved baselines, reduce rework and keep stakeholders aligned as designs, configurations and requirements evolve. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 HL)How 3DEXPERIENCE® PLM Express Supports Change Control Connect product data, approvals and change workflows to strengthen development, reduce errors and keep teams aligned throughout the product lifecycle. [plm-express-change-control-process-highlight-banner-1520x696.jpg](/media/26147) [ Pick a bundle for your specific needs ](/products/plm-express/governance) ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB2)Key Benefits of a Change Control Process ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB2 AT1)Reduce costly changes Assess proposed changes early to identify dependencies before implementation, helping teams reduce late rework, conflicting revisions and downstream disruption. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB2 AT2)Accelerate approval workflows Structured workflows make change control responsibilities clearer, reduce manual handoffs and move approved changes forward faster — a best practice for consistent, auditable decisions. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB2 AT3)Maintain product traceability Connect change requests, decisions and updated product information throughout the lifecycle. Teams gain a clear record of what changed, why it changed and who approved it. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB2 AT4)Strengthen quality and compliance Controlled changes and documented approvals create a more reliable audit trail. Teams can uphold quality and governance requirements while supporting regulatory compliance. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB3) Integrated Traceability Across Industries ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB3 AT2)Industrial Equipment: Virtual Commissioning of Robotic Assembly Lines Yutaka Electronics validates designs virtually before physical installation — cutting prototyping lead times by 50%, while centralized data and collaboration are expected to save teams a further 20% to 30% of their time. [Explore Robotic Assembly Lines](/insights/customer-stories/yutaka-electronics-robotic-assembly-lines) ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 PoB3 AT2)Aerospace & Defense: Tracing Changes Across Helicopter Simulations Airbus Helicopters connects thermal, aerodynamic, mechanical and electromagnetic data to identify which simulations are affected by changes — strengthening impact analysis and maintaining data traceability. [Explore Helicopter Simulations](/insights/customer-stories/airbus-helicopters-simulation-process-data-management) ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 FAQ)What are the four common steps in the change control process? ## What are the four common steps in the change control process? These steps include submitting the **change request**, performing an **impact analysis**, approving or rejecting the change and implementing the approved change. The exact workflow may differ depending on the organization, product complexity and regulatory requirements. With **3D**EXPERIENCE PLM Express, teams can coordinate change activities in a unified environment, keeping decisions connected to the engineering definition and its configurations. ## What is the correct order for change control activities? Begin by defining how changes are requested, what information needs to be captured, who evaluates their impact and who has the authority to approve them. Then establish a controlled workflow for implementation and ensure every approved change remains connected to the relevant product information and history. **3D**EXPERIENCE PLM Express adds configuration management and dedicated change request, impact analysis, change order and change action management to help teams establish a controlled, traceable process. ## What is the difference between change control and change management? **Change control** focuses on evaluating, authorizing, implementing and documenting specific changes. **Change management** is the broader discipline used to coordinate changes across the product lifecycle, including requests, decisions, actions, configurations and their downstream effects. ## What is an engineering change order? An **engineering change order (ECO)** coordinates the implementation of an approved engineering change, defines what must be updated and provides a controlled path for execution. Within **3D**EXPERIENCE PLM Express, change order management works alongside change request, impact analysis and change action management. This helps teams connect the approved decision to the actions and product information it affects, supporting consistent execution and lifecycle traceability. ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 AT CTA)Looking to connect product data, change workflows and lifecycle decisions in one environment? [Discover 3DEXPERIENCE PLM Express Governance & Lifecycle Management](/products/plm-express/governance) ## ## (3DEXPERIENCE EXPRESS SEO LP3 WoC)Also Discover ![Governance capabilities with software > Dassault Systèmes®](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2026-09/plm-express-change-control-process-hero-banner-1920x856.jpg) Governance solutions for you