Industrial Display Configuration Control

Configuration control means that the display remains compatible in terms of form/suitability/function within a certain period of time. This essentially allows display manufacturers the flexibility to change sub-components to keep up with technology or market demands. It also allows users to transition to newer display products with minimal design changes. Product changes are inevitable, the question is how quickly and how much they impact users, depending on time and resources. When implementing configuration control, it is useful to manage changes to reduce the impact.
Industrial-grade monitors are designed to allow for changes, and manufacturers strive to keep changes to a minimum. When changes have to be made to a product, not only do they have a robust and recognized Engineering/Product Change Notification (ECN/PCN) program, but the information is sent to customers in a timely manner to allow customers to adapt to the changes without impacting them very severely commercial business.
Typically, the manufacturer issues a PCN three months before the change is implemented. These changes are then documented and, in due course, customers can obtain samples of the new products for testing before receiving them. In consumer displays, there is little need for configuration control, and it will not be accepted by the service market. Most consumer monitors are sold on a short-term basis and are subject to change without notice.