What is the purpose of a physical configuration audit?

The purpose of a physical configuration audit is to ensure compliance with documentation. This audit serves as a systematic review process that confirms that a product's documented design, specifications, and performance are accurately represented in its physical form. By conducting this audit, organizations can verify that all components and systems are built according to established requirements and standards, which is crucial for quality assurance in systems engineering.

This process helps to identify any discrepancies between the actual product and its design documentation, allowing for corrective actions to be taken before the product is fully integrated into operational environments or delivered to customers. Ensuring compliance with documentation ultimately promotes reliability and performance consistency, reducing the risk of defects or failures after deployment.