When does formal change control procedures begin in software development?

Formal change control procedures in software development typically begin after user requirements are finalized. At this stage, the project has a clear understanding of what needs to be developed based on the stakeholders' input. This clarity is crucial because it establishes a baseline for the project's scope and deliverables.

Once requirements are set, any changes proposed will need to go through a structured process to evaluate their impact on the project in terms of cost, timeline, and resources. This ensures that all stakeholders have visibility into the changes that might affect the project's outcome and allows for informed decision-making. The change control process safeguards against scope creep and helps maintain the integrity and quality of the final product.

Establishing change control procedures before the user requirements are finalized would be premature, as the understanding of project needs is incomplete at that stage. Similarly, initiating change control after the project is completed or during testing would be too late to effectively manage changes, as these phases are typically focused on validating and delivering the final product rather than altering fundamental aspects of the project.