Change Package

A Change Package is a grouping of all the components (Source, Copybook, Load, JCL, control cards, compiling procedures, documentation, and other components) required to implement a software change into production.

You can build Change Packages for any type of change, including permanent, emergency, temporary, simple, and complex changes. A variety of information can be associated with a Change Package. For example, reasons for the change, contingency plans, special implementation instructions, work request numbers, and contact lists can all be captured when the Change Package is created.

All Change Packages are referenced in the package master, a control file that contains the significant information regarding current and previous Change Packages. At creation time, a unique Change Package number is assigned to facilitate cross referencing. When a programmer adds components to a Change Package, that information is added to the package master.