Come and join the conversation!
Perhaps you are a configuration manager working primarily in one domain but curious about how CM is practiced elsewhere. Perhaps you are facing challenges adapting CM approaches to fit your specific context. Perhaps you are exploring how emerging technologies like AI can support CM across different applications. Either way, we think you should come and spend the day with us to share your insights, lessons learned, questions and curiosity.
We will approach the subject using examples from different areas, such as
- CM to support a one-track and/or branching strategy
- CM for DevOps
- CM for Product Line Engineering or other forms of asset re-use
- CM for System-of-systems
- CM to facilitate SW/HW integration
- CM for acquisition
Our ambition is to identify both the common denominators and the specific adaptations needed to successfully apply CM in different contexts.
What to expect
This will be a hands-on, workshop where we work together on real CM challenges brought by participants. Expect to:
- Get active – This is not a day of passive listening. You’ll be working in groups, brainstorming at whiteboards, and developing concrete solutions to real challenges.
- Gain insights – By examining how CM is applied across different domains, you’ll discover new approaches you can bring back to your own context. Seeing familiar challenges through different lenses often sparks breakthrough ideas.
- Have fun – Working together on interesting problems with knowledgeable peers is energizing. We’ll keep the pace dynamic and create space for both serious problem-solving and the enjoyable moments that come from collaborative work.
The workshop will center around 2-3 carefully selected real-world cases. We’ll work in small groups where everyone contributes, building on each other’s experiences to develop practical, actionable solutions.
When and where
March 18th 09:30 – 16:30 in Gothenburg (Volvo Jakobs väg 17)
This event is hosted by Volvo Cars
Tentative program
09:00 – Doors are opened. Early attendees can arrive at this time.
09:30 – Introduction
- Welcome and introduction by Volvo Cars
- About CM Forum and the theme.
10:30 – Case presentations and group formation.
11:00 – Workshop session 1
12:00 – Lunch break (note – lunch is on your own tab)
13:00 – Participants reconvene after lunch for progress update
13:30 – Workshop session 2
15:00 – Presentations and summary
- Groups present their solutions and key insights.
- Summary and next steps.
16:30 – End of day
After the event, we intend to go out for dinner, let us know if you want to join (on your own tab).
Share your CM challenge
We invite you to submit a real CM challenge you’re currently facing. The best 2-3 cases will be selected as the foundation for our workshop sessions. Even if your case isn’t selected, you’ll contribute valuable perspective when working on others’ challenges.
Your case submission should include:
- Context: Brief description of your organization, product type, and development approach (3-4 sentences)
- The challenge: What specific CM problem are you trying to solve? (2-3 sentences)
- Why it’s difficult: What makes this challenging? What constraints or conflicting needs exist? (2-3 sentences)
- What you’ve tried: What approaches have you tested and why didn’t they work? (2-3 bullet points)
Total length: Approximately one A4 page (150-250 words)
Selected cases will be anonymized and shared with all participants one week before the event, giving everyone time to reflect on possible approaches.
Registration
The event is free of charge but the venue has a limited capacity, so we need your registration to keep track of attendance. Register by emailing to participate@cmforum.se. Include:
- Your name and organisation
- Whether you plan to join the dinner
- Your CM challenge (optional but encouraged – see format above)
Registration deadline: March 11th