Release Good to Know

• Search for one or more Releases that meet a specific criteria by running a Quick Search or Search Group.
• Since a Release can be the implementation of one or more Change Requests, a Release can also be created from a Change Request by clicking File>New>New Release from the CSM menu bar, pressing CTRL+SHIFT+R, or clicking the Create New Release link in the Change Request Actions section of the Task Pane. When submitted from a Change Request, the Release inherits specific record information, including Requestor, Title, Description, and associated CIs.
• The Release form's Main pane toggles between two embedded forms: a simple Step View form and a read-only Expanded View form that displays all Release information on a single form.
• View additional form information and helpful tips by clicking the INFO button located on the title banner of the form.
• CSM implements several default Actions/One-Steps to make Release Management more efficient. For detailed information about Actions and One-Steps, refer to the Actions/One-Steps documentation.

  Note: A full list of One-Steps is beyond the scope of this document. Export a schema document from CSM Administrator (Create a Blueprint>Tools>Export Schema) to view a full list of One-Steps associated with a particular type of Business Object (ex: Major).

• CSM provides several default Automation Processes to automate Release Management. For more information, refer to the Automation Process documentation.
• If enabled (via an Automation Process), e-mail notifications are automatically created and sent to:
  • Release owner to notify him of assignment.
  • Release Team to notify them of ownership.
  • Release Team to notify them of a new build.
  • Release Team to notify them of build test results.
• Journals track what occurs during the record's lifecycle (ex: Notes to track progress or comments; and History to track important field changes, e-mail correspondence, etc.). View or add Journals by clicking the Journal tab in the record's Arrangement.
• Attachments supplement records by providing additional details in the form of linked/imported files (.pdf, .doc, etc.), images, web pages, and Document Repositories. View and manage Attachments using the Attachment button and Attachments bar.
• The Quick Info Tile displays important at-a-glance information, such as Release ID, Status alert bar (current status), Priority alert bar, Open Tasks alert bar, Requestor information, Record Ownership, and common operations (I Want To section).
• The workflow bar tracks the Release as it progresses through the Release workflow phases. Dark gray indicates the current phase.
• The Main Pane displays embedded forms used to create the Release. The Main Pane toggles between two embedded forms: a simple Step View form and a more detailed Expanded View form (read-only).
• The Arrangement dynamically displays linked child records, such as Journals (to track comments and important field and status changes), Approvals (to track who approved the Release and when), and forms that display as the Release progresses through its workflow.
• Fields:
  • Required fields are often conditional, meaning some are required to save a record, some are required to change the status of a record, some are required to "close" the record, etc. You will be reminded when fields are required, either by a red box around the field or by a reminder message.
  • Use Rich Text fields to use formatting and image/screenshots to complement the text. To format the text or embed an image, click the Zoom button .
  • Some validated fields can recognize what you are typing and will suggest a value for you (ex: Type "P" into the field; CSM will suggest the first item it finds that starts with the letter P). Use your Down Arrow button to scroll through other possible values.
  • Press F3 to open a Selector window, where you can select a legal value or create a new value.
  • Press TAB to move to the "next" field on the form.

    Note: A full list of fields is beyond the scope of this document. Export a schema document from CSM Administrator (Create a Blueprint>Tools>Export Schema) to view a full list of fields associated with a particular type of Business Object (ex: Major).